NSW’s State Insurance Regulatory Authority has prosecuted a compulsory third party claimant who lied about being unable to work after a vehicle crash.

It is the watchdog’s first CTP fraud prosecution, and it says it expects more in coming months.

Tina Pour-Zahrouni, from Sydney, pleaded guilty to fraud and on October 4 was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, fined $1100 and ordered to pay $6203 in prosecution costs.

She had received $55,698 in benefits from Suncorp brand GIO after using fraudulent documents including fake medical certificates and employer correspondence.

GIO contacted her employer direct and found Pour-Zahrouni had been working full-time.

She admitted working during the benefit period and agreed to repay $40,457.

The matter was referred to SIRA in May 2022 and Pour-Zahrouni was charged with fraud against the Motor Accidents Injuries Scheme.

SIRA says the sentencing magistrate highlighted the extensive planning involved in the scam, and the need for authorities to deter fraud.