Andrew Shipton, also known as Adrian Ngwun, was sentenced in the Manukau District Court on November 3 to three years in prison for his role in a $2 million fraud scheme. Inland Revenue stated that Shipton pleaded guilty to four charges of receiving more than $1000 and 13 charges of using a forged document. His brother, Nicholas Ngwun, received a five-and-a-half-year prison sentence on July 14 for the same offending.
The Operation Run from the Dark Web
District Court Judge Yelavich identified Nicholas Ngwun as the ringleader who brought his brother into the operation. Ngwun controlled at least 33 myIR accounts, utilizing personal and credit card information purchased on the dark web. He used this stolen data to file fraudulent Covid support applications, GST returns, and income tax returns.
Shipton participated by posing as the identity theft victims inside bank branches. Between February and May 2023, he visited banks on five separate occasions to set up and verify accounts. He presented fake drivers’ licences, community services cards, and utility letters produced by his brother, featuring Shipton’s own face on some of the fabricated IDs.
Did You Know? Andrew Shipton withdrew $28,000 in total from various banks and ATMs while visiting branches and posing as identity theft victims. At the time of these bank visits, he was already on electronically monitored bail or home detention for separate offending.
Authorities track movements using surveillance evidence
Authorities tracked Shipton’s movements using CCTV footage, cell phone data, and Corrections monitoring data. Judge Yelavich established a starting sentence of three years, adding three months for other offending and five months for violating home detention and bail conditions. After granting discounts for a guilty plea and rehabilitation efforts in custody, the final sentence was set at three years.
Inland Revenue information security leader Jay Harris described the case as part of a growing trend. “Ngwun and Shipton’s offending is evidence of that and represents the new frontier of digital offending,” Harris said, noting the increasing use of artificial intelligence and digital tools to manipulate documents. Harris warned that individuals attempting similar crimes should not assume they will remain undetected, adding that the department works alongside other organizations to hold fraudsters accountable.
Inland Revenue prosecutes people for fraud
Inland Revenue has prosecuted more than 20 people for fraud related to the Small Business Cashflow Loan Scheme, the Covid Support Payment, and the Resurgence Support Payment. Thirteen additional cases are currently moving through the court system. Investigations into other allegations of Covid support fraud remain active.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Andrew Shipton sentenced?
Shipton was sentenced in the Manukau District Court on November 3 to three years in prison.
What role did Nicholas Ngwun play in the scheme?
District Court Judge Yelavich described Nicholas Ngwun as the ringleader of the operation who controlled at least 33 myIR accounts, purchased personal data on the dark web, and created forged documents.
How much money did the operation attempt to obtain?
The scheme attempted to secure more than $2 million from tax and Covid support funds.
Worth a look