HMRC arrests five men over VAT fraud

An HMRC investigation into suspected multi-million pound VAT fraud and money
laundering has led to five arrests.

Four men, from Staffordshire and Greater Manchester, were arrested on 10
August for conspiracy to cheat the revenue, and money laundering offences. All
are purported to work in the motor home and caravan industry.

Gary Lampon, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said
tackling fraud was one of the Revenue’s “top” priorities.

He added the raids were the result of a “lengthy” investigation codenamed ”
Quicksilver” by HMRC.

The men arrested are part of an organised crime syndicate. It is believed the
group created a chain of companies and false paperwork for the sole purpose of
reclaiming VAT.

The syndicate recouped VAT money on purchases of equipment in the UK which it
then allegedly exported to the European Union. HMRC believes the goods never
existed.

HMRC officers searched nine premises consisting of seven domestic and two
commercial.

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