Sydney, May 31, 2025 —
A Sydney pharmacist with a penchant for luxury cars, including Ferraris, has been accused of defrauding the Australian government of more than $7 million through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), by allegedly using the identities of deceased individuals to create fake prescriptions.
The court heard this week that the pharmacist, whose name has been suppressed pending further proceedings, allegedly submitted thousands of fraudulent claims to Medicare over a sustained period. Prosecutors allege the accused fabricated prescriptions in the names of people who had long since died, manipulating PBS reimbursements to fund a lavish lifestyle that included high-end vehicles and designer goods.
According to evidence presented in court, the scheme was uncovered following an audit triggered by unusually high prescription volumes for specific medications. Investigators from the Department of Health and the Australian Federal Police allege the pharmacist operated from multiple locations across Sydney, often altering records to avoid detection.
The pharmacist has been charged with multiple counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception, dealing with the proceeds of crime, and identity theft. If convicted, the accused could face a lengthy prison sentence and the seizure of assets under Australia’s proceeds of crime legislation.
The case has raised fresh concerns about vulnerabilities in the PBS and the ease with which healthcare fraud can go undetected for extended periods. Health Minister Mark Butler said in a statement, “This case highlights the need for stronger safeguards in the system. Australians expect that their taxpayer dollars are used for genuine care, not to bankroll fraudulent lifestyles.”
The court has adjourned the matter to later this year, while investigations continue into the full extent of the alleged fraud.
