[BITList] VETERAN IMPOSTER REX CRANE PLEADS GUILTY [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

[John Feltham]

Begin forwarded message:



Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List
 
 
Tuesday, 21 December 2010                                                                                                           VA072
 
 VETERAN IMPOSTER REX CRANE PLEADS GUILTY
 
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, welcomed the outcome of the case against veteran imposter Arthur Rex Crane handed down in the Brisbane District Court today.
 
“Mr Crane has today pleaded guilty to defrauding the Commonwealth and ordered to pay back more than $413,000 for falsely claiming he was a prisoner of the Japanese during the Second World War,” Mr Snowdon said.
 
Mr Crane has been sentenced to four years jail and can be released after serving six months upon entering a good behaviour bond for four years.  He was also ordered to pay the Commonwealth more than $413,000 in falsely claimed pension.
 
“The Australian Government takes very seriously the recognition and respect of those who have served our country and has no tolerance for those who fraudulently claim that recognition,” Mr Snowdon said.
 
 “The Department of Veterans’ Affairs works hard to ensure that veterans receive their lawful entitlements.  All allegations of fraud are investigated thoroughly.”
 
The Department has a dedicated compliance section that investigates all suspected cases of fraudulent activity.  Other ongoing measures that act as a deterrent are proof of identify checks, and departmentally initiated reviews.
 
“Incidences of fraud are very isolated and today’s sentence should be a warning about the serious penalties involved in defrauding the Commonwealth,” Mr Snowdon said.
 
 
Media inquiries:      Minister Snowdon: Matthew McKeon 0419 843 462
                                    Dept of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
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