HMRC-wide bugging powers active
Powers to run surveillance on phone calls, emails and bug homes and private vehicles now wielded across the whole of merged department
An act giving the whole of HMRC major bugging powers is now in force.
Before HMRC was established, only Customs & Excise were authorised to
intercept phone calls, emails and letters and also bug homes and suspects’
vehicles, but these powers have now been extended across the whole organisation
after the Serious Crime Act became active today.
These powers would only be used to investigate serious criminal activities
and not for routine matters, HMRC told the
Financial
Times.
As a key safeguard, approval must be given by the home secretary before HMRC
can press on with such operations
Further reading:
Be
afraid, there may be many more people sharing your telephone calls and emails in
future