Former SARS employee sentenced to six years for fraud and falsifying VAT claims

A former South African Revenue Services (SARS) employee and registered tax practitioner has been sentenced to 6 years for fraud and forgery in the Bellville Regional Court.

Michael Benson was convicted of submitting false value-added tax (VAT) returns and claiming undue VAT refunds, as well as submitting false documents to justify the claims.

Benson, who worked for SARS as an auditor between 1997 and 2000, was also convicted of failing to keep proper records.

During this period, he submitted VAT returns and fraudulently claimed an amount of R1,7 million, of which R1,5 million was paid to his bank account.

However, SARS blocked the final claim after discovering the fraudulent claims.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said they welcome the conviction and sentencing.

"The sentence sends a decisive message that the NPA will not tolerate fraud, abuse of public trust, or the manipulation of the tax system for personal gain. Those entrusted to uphold the integrity of South Africa's Revenue Services have a higher duty to act lawfully and ethically. When they betray that trust, the NPA will act firmly and without hesitation to ensure accountability."

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