Media Release
12 June 2008
Pharmacist jailed for PBS fraud
A Queensland pharmacist has been sentenced to four and a half years in jail for deliberately defrauding the Australian Government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), after appearing in the Brisbane District Court today.
The pharmacist, Geoffrey Noel Lake, 60, owner of Clermont Day And Night Pharmacy in central Queensland, pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining $400,000 worth of PBS benefits to which he was not entitled.
The pharmacist received two sentences of four and half years imprisonment, to be served concurrently, with a non parole period of 12 months. He has also agreed to repay the sum of $400,000 as well as an additional cost of $92,000 associated with property seized.
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig said the sentencing sends a clear warning to anyone thinking about defrauding Medicare Australia.
“The bottom line is that the Australian Government will not tolerate people who set out to undermine the Australian health system,” Senator Ludwig said.
“This case clearly demonstrates people who try to defraud the PBS, or other Government programs, will be caught and will face serious consequences for their actions.”
A Medicare Australia investigation found that over a four year period the pharmacist claimed PBS benefits for prescriptions that were not supplied.
“This result is a significant achievement for Medicare Australia, the Australian Federal Police and the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecution,” Senator Ludwig added.
“I advise anyone who suspects PBS fraud is being committed to phone the Australian Government Services Fraud Tip-off Line on 13 15 24.”
Background
The pharmacist’s fraudulent activities included submitting false scripts using his parents’ names and directing his pharmacy assistants to falsify signatures on prescriptions not supplied. He also admitted to using the identities of recently deceased people to submit false PBS claims.
This case came to the attention of Medicare Australia through routine audit activity and, following a search of the pharmacy and home residence, evidence of fraud was seized.
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