Arrests made over £80m UK alcohol fraud

UK officers have arrested three people on suspicion of tax evasion linked with an £80 million alcohol fraud scam.

HMRC officers have arrested three suspicion of £80m alcohol fraud

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers arrested two men on suspicion of tax fraud and money laundering during a series of dawn raids in London, while one woman was arrested for money laundering offenses.

The men are suspected of of being involved in an alcohol diversion fraud thought to be worth up to £80 million a year in lost duty.

Cash totalling £150,000, computers and personal and business records were seized during property searches, as well as a Taser gun.

“Today’s action shows HMRC’s determination in taking robust action against those involved in or connected to alcohol fraud,” said David Margree, assistant director of criminal investigation at HMRC.

“HMRC will take all necessary steps to ensure that the tainted profits amassed by these professional crime gangs will be pursued and recovered. We suspect those arrested today have concealed the money for their personal benefit at the expense of the UK’s economy and honest taxpayers.”

All three arrested parties have been bailed until April 2015. Investigations into the case are on-going.

Earlier this month HMRC arrested 14 people on suspicion of money laundering as part of a £40m alcohol fraud scam.