SINGAPORE – Over a period of seven years, a woman is said to have set up multiple companies and filed fraudulent tax claims of over $1.4 million despite her firms engaging in no substantial business activities.

On July 9, Tan Kian Peng, 38, was charged with 87 counts of making false entries in GST returns and four counts of hindering IRAS officers in carrying out their duties.

The Malaysian was also charged with multiple counts of transferring property representing her benefits of criminal conduct.

In September 2024, IRAS began investigations into Tan for her suspected involvement in setting up multiple GST registered entities for the purpose of claiming fraudulent GST refunds from IRAS.

Investigations revealed that the GST registered entities had no substantial business activities and could not support their input tax claims.

Between August 2017 and October 2024 , allegedly fraudulent GST input tax claims of more than $1.4 million were filed by Tan and the entities set up by her.

From December 2019 to May 2024, Tan is also accused of transferring $213,000 suspected to be benefits of criminal conduct from her bank account to the account of another individual.

Her case was adjourned to Aug 6.

In a statement on July 8, IRAS and the police said: “Singapore takes a serious view on fraudulent GST refund claims and related money laundering activities, and will not hesitate to take stern enforcement action against any individuals who commit these offences in accordance with the law.”

Those who wilfully evade tax by submitting false GST returns can face a penalty of three times the amount of tax undercharged, fined up to $10,000, and/or be jailed for up to seven years .

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