Man Sentenced for using identity fraud to claim Wage Subsidy

MSD investigations found Charn Murray fraudulently obtained $25,775.20 in COVID‑19 wage subsidy payments, which included the use of another person’s identity without their knowledge.

A further $5,886.40 was sought through unsuccessful applications.

Murray submitted eight fraudulent wage subsidy applications between March 2020 and August 2021, with six applications approved and two declined.

Murray made multiple applications in his own name, claiming to be a full‑time sole trader. However, investigators found that he was not operating a business at the time and had no income, expenses, or revenue decline.

This meant he did not meet the eligibility criteria for the wage subsidy.

Murray also submitted applications using the name and IRD details of another individual, without their knowledge or consent.

Evidence from Murray’s phone indicated there was direct intent to obtain money using fraudulent IRD logins. Significant financial transfers were made between Murray and another individual during the offending period.

District Court Judge Nicola Wills noted the defendant’s genuine remorse, lack of prior dishonesty offending and the positive pre-sentence report.  

A total of 73 people have been sentenced in wage subsidy cases, and another 36 people are still before the courts as part of MSD’s programme of work on wage subsidy fraud and integrity. Since the scheme started, more than $837 million* in wage subsidies has been repaid.

For more information about the Wage Subsidy Integrity and Fraud Programme please see here.

*Figures at 30 June 2026