Press release -
Eleven arrested on suspicion of laundering £50m
Eleven men have been arrested by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on suspicion of laundering the proceeds of a multi-million pound alcohol and VAT fraud.
It is believed that the fraud involved the laundering of around £50 million in evaded duty and tax.
HMRC officers searched 11 residential and eight business addresses in London, Berkshire, Surrey, East Sussex and Buckinghamshire yesterday morning. Computers, £400,000 cash and personal and business records were removed during the property searches.
John Cooper, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said:
“HMRC will not hesitate to investigate anyone suspected of stealing public funds and laundering the proceeds of criminal activity. If you have information about people who may be involved in money laundering, please call the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.”
The men were interviewed by HMRC and released on bail until 30 June 2015. Investigations are ongoing.
Notes for editors
- Details of those arrested yesterday 28 January 2015, on suspicion of offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002:
Buckinghamshire
One man aged 44
One residential property searched.
Berkshire
Windsor – two men man aged 35
Slough – two men aged 34 and 47
Nine properties searched – four residential and five business.
London
Brentford – two men aged 44 and 48
Wembley – one man aged 50
Kingsbury – one man aged 45
Hounslow – one man aged 44
Seven properties searched – five residential and two business.
Surrey
Surbiton – one man aged 36
One residential property searched.
East Sussex
One business property searched.
2.Anyone with information about people involved in alcohol smuggling and tax evasion is encouraged to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.
3.Follow HMRC Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice
4.HMRC’s Flickr channel: www.flickr.com/hmrcgov.uk
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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.
