Tipare Hokimate Ropitini’s two years three months’ imprisonment was confirmed by the High Court for multiple social welfare frauds over nine years totalling $165,400.
Ropitini falsely claimed not to be living in a de facto relationship and made false claims for accommodation allowance. In addition, she created a fictitious rental business with accomplices claiming to be tenants through forged tenancy agreements. Under false names, Ropitini claimed to be a tenant of her own fictitious rental business. Both Ropitini and her accomplices then applied for social welfare grants to collect costs of bonds, rent in advance and accommodation assistance. Her accomplices defrauded Social Welfare of $54,400.
The High Court ruled there were no grounds to reduce the length of imprisonment imposed by the District Court.
Ropitini v. Social Welfare – High Court (31.08.21)
21.144