Accountant arrested over suspected £2m VAT fraud
Four men arrested, including an accountant, in dawn raids over alleged VAT scam
AN ACCOUNTANT is among four people arrested in dawn raids yesterday on suspicion of a £2.2m VAT fraud.
The four men, three from Essex and one from Hertfordshire, allegedly set up an elaborate scheme of subcontractors within the civil engineering industry, with the “sole intention of defrauding HMRC of VAT and PAYE”, stated HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
“This is a major investigation into what we suspect is a well organised and professional attempt to manipulate the UK tax system to steal around £2.2m – money which would otherwise be used to finance the UK’s vital public services,” said Martin Brown, assistant director, criminal investigation, HMRC.
“I would encourage anyone with information regarding tax evasion and fraud to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000 .”
Six properties were searched, including addresses in Essex, Hertfordshire and two properties in the Republic of Ireland. Computers, business records and mobile phones were seized for forensic examination. Those arrested have been bailed until March 2015, with investigations ongoing.