Press release -
Ten arrested in suspected £35m money laundering and tax fraud raids
Seven men and three women have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) into a suspected £35 million pound tax fraud and money laundering.
More than 80 officers from HMRC searched three private and 12 business addresses in Bath, Bournemouth, Bristol, Berkshire, Exeter, Stroud, Swindon and Yate on Wednesday 4 October.
Colin Spinks, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said:
“Tax fraud is often thought victimless but it isn’t; the public lose out on vital funds for essential services. We will continue to work with our partners to tackle this crime and ask anyone with information about this kind of activity to contact our HMRC Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”
Computers and business records were seized during the operation. Those arrested were interviewed by HMRC and have been released under investigation. Investigations are continuing.
1.Details of those arrested in the UK:
36-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman from Berkshire
28-year-old man from Bristol
45-year-old man from Bristol
27-year-old man from Bristol
35-year-old woman from Bristol
44-year-old man from Swindon
36-year-old woman from Bournemouth
33-year-old man from Exeter
41-year-old man from Newport (Wales)
2.The total fraud is believed to be approximately £35m.
3.Anyone with information regarding tax fraud is encouraged to contact the HMRC Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887 or report it online at: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/reportingfraud/online.htm
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Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is the UK’s tax authority.
HMRC is responsible for making sure that the money is available to fund the UK’s public services and for helping families and individuals with targeted financial support.
