DPP v Velissaris [2025] VCC 1253

1. The Fraud and Analytics Manager of Integrity Services at the Department identified 492 TIP Program applications that were seemingly submitted by the same person.
2. This view was formed for a number of reasons. Of the 492 applications, 172 of them attached a supporting document in the form of a PDF which listed the author of the document as either 'Paris Velissaris' or 'Paris'. Bank account details of 18 bank accounts were used for more than one application. In total 337 unique bank accounts were used and many had similar, sequential, or almost sequential account numbers, opened at the same branch, including 216 opened at a National Australia Bank in North Sydney. Almost all of the applications included an email that appeared to be generic or randomly selected.
3. There was an overlap between the personal details of different applicants, including mobile numbers, residential addresses and employers. There was an overlap between the personal details of different applicants, including mobile phone numbers, residential addresses and employers. There was no record of the applicant having taken a COVID-19 test for 366 of the suspicious TIP Program applications.
4. The Fraud and Analytics Manager of Integrity Services referred 492 fraudulent TIP Program applications to the Victoria Police Financial Crime Squad.
5. Victoria Police commenced an investigation into the fraudulent TIP Program applications and executed warrants at several banks.
6. Police subsequently executed a search warrant at your address on 21 March 2023. Police seized an assortment of electronic devices, including a Dell desktop computer; three Mac Mini computers; three black notebooks; two zip lock bags containing a white crystal substance; and nine white tablets.
7. The electronic devices were found to hold identification documents relating to persons named in the fraudulent TIP Program applications, as well as records of those applications. The investigators also located an Excel spreadsheet which set out in detail the TIP Program applications made by you, including applicants' names, dates of the application, email addresses, bank account details, and whether the application was successful or not. The information about the fraudulent TIP Program applications was also recorded in the three black notebooks.

1. The first charge involved you between 6 October 2020 and 21 March 2023 being in possession of over 500 identification documents, belonging to 247 different people. These included driver licenses, Australian passports, Medicare cards, bank statements and employment records. The possession of these identification documents were for the purpose of facilitating the commission of an indictable offence, namely obtaining financial advantage by deception. Without these documents it would not have been possible to complete the applications for the TIP Program support payments.

1. The second charge involved you between 9 October 2020 and 24 January 2022 on 125 separate occasions of dishonestly obtaining support payments of $450 from the State of Victoria by submitting TIP Program applications in other peoples' names.
2. By submitting a TIP Program application in the name of another person, you falsely represented that:

(a) the TIP Program application was a genuine application;

(b) the TIP Program application was submitted by the person named in the application;

(c) the TIP Program support payment, if made, would be paid to the person named in the application; and

(d) the information contained in the TIP Program application was true and correct.

1. The support payments were made on the belief that the representations made in each application were truthful and had the falsities been known, no support payments would have been made.
2. The second charge relates to TIP Program support payments that did not ultimately end up in your personal bank account. The quantum of support payments encompassed by Charge 2, and the financial advantage obtained by you, was $56,250.

1. Charge 3 involved you between 10 December 2020 and 2 March 2022 on 187 separate occasions attempting to dishonestly obtain support payments of $450 from the State of Victoria by submitting the TIP Program applications in other peoples' names.
2. By submitting a TIP Program application in the name of another person, you falsely represented:

(a) the TIP Program application was a genuine application;

(b) the TIP Program application was submitted by the person named in the application;

(c) the TIP Program support payment, if made, would be paid to the person named in the application; and

(d) the information contained in the TIP Program application was true and correct.

1. Support payments, the subject of Charge 3, were not paid to you due to suspicion of fraud. The quantum of payments encompassed by Charge 3, and the financial advantaged you attempted to obtain was $84,150.

1. The fourth charge involved you between 29 December 2020 and 19 March 2021 on 172 separate occasions dishonestly obtaining support payments of $450 from the State of Victoria, by submitting TIP Program applications in other peoples' names.
2. By submitting a TIP Program application in the name of another person, you falsely represented that:

(a) the TIP Program application was a genuine application;

(b) the TIP Program application was submitted by the person named in the application;

(c) the TIP Program support payment, if made, would be paid to the named person in the application; and

(d) the information contained in the TIP Program application was true and correct.

1. The support payments were made on the belief that the representations made in each application were truthful and had the falsities been known, no support payments would have been made.
2. TIP Program support payments subject to Charge 4 ended up in your personal bank account. The amount encompassed by Charge 4, and the financial advantage obtained was $77,400.

1. The fifth charge involved a small quantity of methylamphetamine found in your possession on 21 March 2023. It was found in two small zip lock bags and weighed a total of 2.4 grams.

1. The related Summary Charge 304 involved nine white tablets found in your possession on 21 March 2023, namely dexamphetamine.

1. The offending is objectively serious. Your counsel concedes your offending is serious.
2. The period of time during which the offending occurred is significant.
3. From 6 October 2020 (the earliest date of offending) to 21 March 2023 you were in possession of identification information comprising over 500 identification documents of 247 different people. The identifying documents included driver's licences, passports, Medicare cards, bank statements and employment records. Your counsel noted this information was obtained from your father's real estate business without his knowledge.
4. The deception Charges 2 and 4 occurred between 9 October 2020 and 24 January 2022 and 29 December 2020 and 19 March 2021 by making 297 applications, and you received $133,650. Between 10 December 2020 and 2 March 2022 you attempted to receive $84,150 by making 187 applications.
5. The gravity of your offending is manifested by the intricacy of the scheme. It involved you completing an application for a TIP payment in another person's name. You answered the on-line questionnaire to satisfy the eligibility criteria for a grant of the support payment.
6. For the name of the applicant you used true and false information. The true information was the name, date of birth, and mobile numbers that were obtained from real identification documents in your possession.
7. You then entered the COVID testing details and employment details of the named applicant, some of which was true. Sometimes you created evidence of employment by altering or modifying genuine documents in your possession.
8. You would then upload documents in support which were either an Australian passport or driver's licence which were genuine.
9. You would then complete the bank account details by entering the BSB and account numbers. You had over 330 bank accounts in the names of 20 different people.
10. You would submit the application and when the support payment was made you would either withdraw the amount or transfer it between two or more accounts used by you.
11. A spread sheet comprising 13 pages was tendered which represented the meticulous records you kept of each application made and payments received. The spreadsheet records the date of your applications. On some days you made multiple applications, up to nine, and noted the days it took for the payment to be made.
12. The offending was repeated over a period of one year and five months. It was planned, premeditated and sophisticated using real and false identities and bank accounts.
13. Your identify was concealed and the offending was against the State's funds. You obtained, as I said before, $133,650 for your personal use and attempted to obtain $84,150.
14. Your counsel concedes an aggravating feature is that Charges 1, 2, 3 and 4 were committed whilst you were on a community corrections order and that from 2 December 2021 you were also on bail.
15. In assessing the objective seriousness of your offending I note the financial sum involved, the period involved, and that your offending was difficult to detect, protracted, sophisticated and well organised.
16. I note that the amount involved is not at the high end of value compared with other cases before this court. Your counsel submitted no individual was caused loss by your offending. Whilst I agree no individual suffered financial loss, your offending used the private information of 247 people. There was no mention of whether those individuals have been advised of this.
17. Counsel submitted your offending occurred in the throes of a methamphetamine addiction and was not used to fund an extravagant lifestyle, evidenced by the fact at the time of your offending you were living with your mother in Carlton. He submitted at the time of your offending you were using one gram of methamphetamine a week.
18. Your counsel submitted your offending was serious, but in the context of other factors which I will turn to, not so serious that prison is the only option.
19. Prosecution counsel submitted an immediate term of imprisonment was an appropriate sentence in all the circumstances.

1. You entered your plea of guilty at the earliest opportunity and are entitled to a full discount. Your plea has utilitarian value and saves a trial involving multiple witnesses.
2. Your counsel submitted your plea also demonstrates your remorse and prospects for rehabilitation.
3. Your remorse is also referred to in the character reference from your partner Ms Molenkamp and by your consent to the restitution order for $133,650.

1. Your moral culpability for this offending is high. You are solely responsible and have used your skills in a deliberate and calculated manner to deceive the State at a time of a national health crisis.

1. Your counsel referred to the six-month delay between you being interviewed on 21 March 2023 and charges being laid in October 2023.
2. There are two aspects to the delay. Firstly, the length of time these charges have been hanging over your head.
3. Secondly, the significant steps you have taken toward rehabilitation during that time. There has been no further offending, and you have completed a combination sentence of 60 days' imprisonment and a 12 month community corrections order and an 18 month community corrections order which included 45 hours of community work. Your counsel relied on R v Merrett[1] where Maxwell P observed: in referencing the Court of Criminal Appeal of Western Australia in Duncan v R:

Where prior to sentence there has been a lengthy process of rehabilitation and the evidence does not indicate a need to protect society from the applicant, the punitive and deterrent aspects of the sentencing process should not be allowed to prevail as to possibly destroy the results of that rehabilitation.[2]

1. Your counsel submitted your significant rehabilitation since this offending should moderate the weight given to deterrence and punishment.

1. You are 38 years old. You were born in Melbourne. You live at your mother's house in Carlton. You attended Melbourne Grammar secondary school. Your parents are separated but you are close to both.
2. You have had two unsuccessful attempts at tertiary education, a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Melbourne between 2006 and 2011 and the same degree at Swinburne University.
3. The isolation and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic were described as having a serious impact on your mental and physical health, leading you to develop an addiction to methamphetamine.
4. During the period of offending at the height of your addiction, as indicated previously, your counsel indicated you were consuming a gram of methamphetamine a week.
5. You managed to complete the two community corrections orders, regained stability and also had the support of your partner Ms Molenkamp.

1. Your counsel referred to three aspects of your rehabilitation since offending.
2. Firstly, the treatment and counselling you are receiving from your GP and psychiatrist.
3. Your GP, Dr Richard Smith, has prepared a letter for the court and has diagnosed you with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which has progressed into hypersomnia. Dr Smith reports that:

Chronic Fatigue Symptom is a complex, debilitating disorder characterised by profound fatigue that is not improved by rest and is worsened by physical or mental activity. The condition also typically includes symptoms such as an impaired memory or concentration, unrefreshing sleep, muscle pain, headaches, and post-exertional malaise (a worsening of symptoms following even minor physical or mental activity). It is a chronic illness with no known cure and can significantly impair daily functioning.

1. Dr Smith describes the effects of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as 'severe and persistent' and that is has 'deeply affected' your regular activities of work, study, and social interactions.
2. Dr Smith opined your Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has 'progressed into a state of hypersomnia, which is a recognised sleep disorder characterised by excessive sleep duration and overwhelming daytime drowsiness'.[3]
3. Noting there is no cure, Dr Smith described actively managing your condition 'with a multi-disciplinary approach including medical treatment, pacing strategies, psychological support, and lifestyle adjustments'.
4. You are also being treated by Professor Krishnaswamy,[4] for your diagnosed ADHD, clinical depression and bi-polar disorder. You have had 10 consultations and Professor Krishnaswamy has taken over from your previous psychiatrist. You are currently on medications Modavigil 100 mils and Seroquel 25 mg. You have recently started on Seroquel to assist your bi-polar and you are responding positively.
5. Professor Krishnaswamy has noted your 'sleep diary' which records you sleeping for three days, four to five times a month, and has referred you to a sleep specialist Dr David Cunnington to undergo a sleep study.
6. Your counsel submitted that lack of access to your regular treating psychiatrist would make any period of imprisonment more burdensome for you than someone who does not suffer from your conditions.
7. Your counsel has submitted that the two conditions would make any custodial sentence more burdensome and further, without Dr Smith's multi-disciplinary treatment you are at risk of worsening your health conditions.
8. The second aspect of rehabilitation your Counsel referred to is your relationship with Ms Molenkamp which is loving and stable. Ms Molenkamp attended your court hearing and provided a reference.[5] She works as a private nurse. She indicated she has known you since 2016 and reconnected in 2022 following your period of imprisonment.
9. Whilst she has her own house and works two nights a week nursing in private houses, counsel submitted she lives with you in Carlton the other nights of the week.
10. Ms Molenkamp referred to reconnecting again in the winter of 2024. She noted witnessing you in the 'throes on a meth addiction, to a now recovered addict with an optimistic future'. She noted your 'deep remorse, guilt, shame and sadness for the illegal acts [you have] committed'. She also noted the toll of incarceration on you, how traumatic that was and how long it took to recover. Whilst not excusing your behaviour she believes any further time in gaol will only exacerbate your mental health issues and further prolong your ability to rehabilitate and make a meaningful difference to society. She noted your intention to return to study and fulltime work, and build a life together and marry.
11. The third aspect of your rehabilitation your counsel referred to was your recent employment during two months of 2025 with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) during the course of the Federal election,[6] and how your employment in the 'outside world' in a position of trust whereby you had disclosed your prior convictions was a significant part of your progress towards rehabilitation.

1. Your defence counsel submitted that this offending predates two community corrections orders you received. On 13 December 2021 for the charges of burglary, theft, commit an indictable offence whilst on bail, obtain property by deception and attempt to commit an indictable offence, you were sentenced to 60 days' imprisonment and a 12-month community corrections order. On 18 May 2023 you received an 18-month community corrections order with 45 hours of unpaid community work. Counsel submitted the principle of totality required the court in sentencing to impose a sentence that is just and appropriate measure of the overall criminality involved.
2. He noted that the 60 days imprisonment you served was at the height of the pandemic and you experienced greater hardship through the lack of access to services and the suspension of visitors.
3. The prosecution submitted Sayer v The Queen[7] applied, and rather than the court considering what the total sentence imposed would have been if all offending had been before the court, the court should take into account prior sentences and time in custody as part of the offender's personal circumstances.

1. You have a criminal history that dates back to 2013 and the last entry on the tendered criminal record is 13 December 2021. You have relevant prior convictions for fraud and dishonesty related offending. You have been sentenced to nine community corrections orders including one that was combined with imprisonment. You have prior convictions for possession of methamphetamine and possession of other drugs dating back to 2018.[8]
2. You have contravened community corrections orders of five occasions, 11 November 2013, 25 October 2018 (twice), 2 October 2019 (twice).

1. I have been referred to a table of 12 comparative cases by the defence. I note that no two cases are the same and in each case the sentence imposed must be one that is just in all the circumstances.
2. The cases that were in the defence comparative cases indicated that for dishonesty related offending the courts have imposed community corrections orders even where the defendant has relevant prior convictions.
3. I have also had regard to cases referred to by the prosecution where imprisonment was imposed for dishonesty offending.

1. The prosecution submits that in offences involving defrauding the state revenue general deterrence is the primary sentencing purpose. I accept this principle is applicable in this case.
2. In my view general and specific deterrence, punishment, protection of the community and denunciation are relevant sentencing principles.
3. I take into account the sentencing factors in section 5(2) of the Sentencing Act 1991.
4. I refer to the maximum penalty for each offence. The gravity of offences 2 and 4 is reflected by the maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment.
5. As I have already detailed, your offending is objectively serious. Firstly, the period of offending; secondly, the schematic of your method and the persistent number of applications. These tend to overshadow the value of your offending which as I have said is not as high as in other cases dealt with by this court. Your moral culpability is high. You have set about offending in a methodical and systematic manner and clearly devoted significant time and organisational skills to the task.
6. You are given the full benefit of your plea of guilty which also indicates your remorse. I note that you consent to the restitution order, though no money is yet re-paid.
7. There has been a delay and during that time you have completed community corrections orders that you were sentenced to and engaged in treatment for your mental and physical health and obtained some paid employment and you are in a stable committed relationship.
8. I note in the middle of the offending period you were in custody from 22 July to 2 December 2021. I note you continued this offending when you were placed on a community correction order on 13 December 2021.
9. I take into account your personal circumstances including the 60 days' imprisonment and the completion of the two community corrections orders, which is to your credit. I also take into account that during this offending it was submitted you were in throes of a methamphetamine addiction, brought on by the isolating effects of the pandemic. I note you have relevant prior drug convictions that

pre-date the pandemic. It was submitted you no longer have that addiction although you did not receive any formal treatment. 10. In your Counsel's oral submissions, he referred to your Web design business which had been adversely affected by your 10 years of fluctuating mental and physical health. He indicated you were diagnosed with bipolar in 2015. He referred to your 'serious mental condition' and 'debilitating physical condition'. I note these afflictions did not prevent you from embarking on your offending to which you were clearly able to apply energy and focus. The nature of the offending causes me to lessen the weight I give to the medical material with respect to the debilitating and disabling nature of your illnesses. I note neither medical practitioner's letter made mention they were aware of this offending. Not only have you systemically applied your endeavours in a dishonest way manipulating the State revenue which was designed to assist workers during the pandemic, you have also used the private information of a significant number of people by accessing personal records from your father's real estate business. There is a breach of trust of the State through the abuse of the remedial and beneficial payment program which operated on a self-reporting basis. 11. Further, you have breached the privacy of the individuals whose names you used and breached your father's trust through accessing the records from his real estate company. 12. I give less weight to your prospects for rehabilitation. I note you have recently completed the two community corrections orders, you are in a loving and stable relationship, you are receiving some treatment for your mental health and physical diagnosis and you have had some part time work with the Australian Electoral Commission. You are 38 years of age and have had multiple opportunities by the courts to engage in rehabilitation. 13. In my view the sentencing principles of specific and general deterrence and punishment, as well as protection of the community and I give greater weight to those purposes than to your rehabilitation. Your relevant prior convictions for dishonesty are relevant to my consideration. 14. Given the purposes for which a sentence is to be imposed, particularly general deterrence, and taking into account the seriousness of your offending, high moral culpability and your criminal record, a term of immediate imprisonment is warranted and the appropriate penalty. 15. I note the prosecution seeks a compensation order of $133,650 to the Department which you have consented to.

18 months base sentence on charge 2, charge 4 concurrent

Attempt to obtain a financial advantage by deception

Unauthorised possession of poison or controlled substance

18 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of 12 months

6AAA Statement: Three years and six imprisonment with a non-parole period of two years and nine months

1. I have read the submissions regarding the 75 days of Renzella time that is in dispute. I note you were released on bail on 2 December 2021 and following your sentence on 12 December 2021 you did not return to custody.
2. In my view it is very unlikely it was taken into account for a non-custodial sentence on 13 May 2023 when you were placed on an 18 month community corrections order.
3. I accept the advice from the Sentence Calculations and Warrant Administration confirming that the Renzella time is available.
4. Given the lack of evidence that it has been taken into account I am of the view the 75 days is available to you.
5. Given the effluxion of time, and the lack of memory of the magistrate and counsel concerning that appearance on 13 ay 2023, there appears no possibility of advancing the evidence to a stronger conclusion. So I am of the view that you are entitled to the 75 days of Renzella time.
6. The prosecution seeks two separate forfeiture orders.
7. I make the forfeiture order in respect of Order 1:
   • Zip lock bag with crystal substance
   • Bag with crystal substance
   • Nine white tablets
8. Order 2 seeks the forfeiture of:
   • Plastic box and storage devices
   • Box containing SIM cards
   • VicRoads Licence and receipt in the name of Ryan Lim
   • Expanding file containing various documents
   • RMIT USB
   • Black Notebook #1
   • Black Notebook #2
   • Black Notebook #3
9. I also make the compensation order of $133,650 to the Department, which I note you consent to.
10. Are there any other ancillary orders sought?
11. MR RUSSELL: Two matters, Your Honour. Can I just confirm that the compensation order Your Honour has made is under s86.
12. HER HONOUR: I beg your pardon?
13. MR RUSSELL: Could I just confirm that the compensation order has been made under s86 of the Sentencing Act? We filed a compensation order yesterday.
14. HER HONOUR: Yes. Do you have a copy of that?
15. MR RUSSELL: We don't have a hard copy of the compensation order.
16. HER HONOUR: I have seen it, I have left it upstairs.
17. MR RUSSELL: Yes.
18. HER HONOUR: So it is under s86 of the Sentencing Act, yes.
19. MR RUSSELL: That's correct, yes.
20. HER HONOUR: And that's for $133,650?
21. MR RUSSELL: That's correct, yes Your Honour.
22. HER HONOUR: Yes. Yes. That's consented to?
23. MR MITCHELL: Yes, Your Honour.
24. HER HONOUR: Yes, thank you. And the second?
25. MR RUSSELL: Yes, Your Honour. The second, there is a third forfeiture order which was also filed on 6 August which relates to a number of electronic devices. I am instructed that has been filed with the court, but if that hasn't occurred we will attend to it immediately and send it to Your Honour's associates.
26. HER HONOUR: Have we got that? Have you seen that, Mr Mitchell?
27. MR MITCHELL: Yes, I have Your Honour.
28. HER HONOUR: Is there any issues with that order being made?
29. MR MITCHELL: Look I just wanted to confirm instructions on that, if I may?
30. HER HONOUR: Yes.
31. MR MITCHELL: Thank you. Thank you, yes, Your Honour. They are by consent.
32. HER HONOUR: Thank you.
33. MR RUSSELL: Those are the only matters, Your Honour.
34. HER HONOUR: All right, thank you. I will just get that order and make that.
35. MR RUSSELL: Thank you.
36. MR MITCHELL: Your Honour, there was one other matter, the court has probably already noted it but it's a custody management issue in relation to the medication.
37. HER HONOUR: Yes. Yes, now can I ask that you - my associates will provide you with some documentation so that that can be noted on the record.
38. MR MITCHELL: Yes, Your Honour.
39. HER HONOUR: And I will ensure that that is noted.
40. MR MITCHELL: Thank you, Your Honour.
41. HER HONOUR: Thank you. All right, in respect of the forfeiture order sought by the Department of Public Prosecutions, I order the items in the schedule, being namely the Apple iPhone, HP backup drive, two Hitachi laptop drive; Google Pixal3 mobile phone; Apple iPhone; X max Apple iPhone 13 white; three Lenovo computer tablets; three Microsoft surface tablet computers; two Microsoft tablet computers; a Samsung table computer; three Mac Mini computers; an Asos desktop computer; Dell desktop computer; HP desktop computer; Hp laptop computer; and three iPads. I make that forfeiture order.
42. MR RUSSELL: As Your Honour pleases.
43. HER HONOUR: Thank you. All right, if there is nothing further, thank you we will adjourn the court.

[1] [2007] VSCA 1.

[3] Letter by Dr Richard M Smith dated 9 July 2025.

[4] Letter by Professor Saroja Krishnaswamy dated 10 July 2025.

[5] Letter by Kristen Molenkamp dated 5 August 2025.

[6] Confirmation of Casual Engagement - 2025 Federal Election dated 1 April 2025.

[7] [2018] VSCA 177.

[8] Criminal Record History dated 13 March 2025.