Selkirk woman sent to prison for nearly $500K in tax fraud: CRA

A Selkirk woman was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison last week for nearly $500,000 in tax fraud, the Canada Revenue Agency says

Michele Gabrielle pleaded guilty to one count of fraud over $5,000 in provincial court in Selkirk on Friday, the CRA says.

The tax agency had uncovered a scheme in which Gabrielle fraudulently claimed Manitoba tax credits from 2016 and 2019. She also filed and amended returns for two family members and a romantic partner, using their names to commit further fraud.

She made false claims in 22 of her own returns and 33 returns file or amended on behalf of others, the CRA says.

Gabrielle’s fraud resulted in fraudulent returns of just over $499,000. The funds were deposited into accounts she controlled and used for personal gain, including extensive online gambling.