Menu
19/02/2002
Man jailed for his role in £6m fuel smuggling scam
A County Armagh man has been jailed for two and a half years for his part in a major fuel smuggling scam worth £6 million.
John Alexander Hunter of Brentwood Park, Richhill sold millions of litres of petrol and diesel, smuggled from the Republic of Ireland, to over 200 filling stations in Northern Ireland.
By using fraudulent invoices to evade excise duty and tax over an 11-month period (July 1997 –May 1998) he avoided charges of more than £6 million.
Hunter pleaded guilty to 10 counts of fraudulent evasion and one of evading VAT at Belfast Laganside Crown Court on 29 January 2002.
Customs spokesperson Phil Rogers said: “This was a major fuel smuggling fraud. The success of this investigation shows our determination to hit every level of the supply chain and crack down on all types of fuel fraud.
“Fuel fraud undermines honest businesses and takes money away from public services. Cases like this, on top of recent major operations in Northern Ireland, show our commitment to tackling this serious criminal activity."
As part of a Government crack down on smugglers Customs have increased the number of officers tackling the smuggling and laundering of fuel in Northern Ireland from 25 to over 160.
As a result of working with the police in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, Customs in Northern Ireland have seized twice as much illicit fuel and three times as many vehicles.
Customs have also broken up 17 laundering plants involved in illegally removing the dye that identifies rebated fuels, such as red diesel, as not being for on-road use.
(AMcE)
John Alexander Hunter of Brentwood Park, Richhill sold millions of litres of petrol and diesel, smuggled from the Republic of Ireland, to over 200 filling stations in Northern Ireland.
By using fraudulent invoices to evade excise duty and tax over an 11-month period (July 1997 –May 1998) he avoided charges of more than £6 million.
Hunter pleaded guilty to 10 counts of fraudulent evasion and one of evading VAT at Belfast Laganside Crown Court on 29 January 2002.
Customs spokesperson Phil Rogers said: “This was a major fuel smuggling fraud. The success of this investigation shows our determination to hit every level of the supply chain and crack down on all types of fuel fraud.
“Fuel fraud undermines honest businesses and takes money away from public services. Cases like this, on top of recent major operations in Northern Ireland, show our commitment to tackling this serious criminal activity."
As part of a Government crack down on smugglers Customs have increased the number of officers tackling the smuggling and laundering of fuel in Northern Ireland from 25 to over 160.
As a result of working with the police in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, Customs in Northern Ireland have seized twice as much illicit fuel and three times as many vehicles.
Customs have also broken up 17 laundering plants involved in illegally removing the dye that identifies rebated fuels, such as red diesel, as not being for on-road use.
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 June 2004
Customs seize five fuel tankers in Belfast
Customs officers confirmed that five fuel tankers and over 13,000 litres of fuel were seized during a multi-agency operation in Belfast on Wednesday. Working with the police, Customs officers said that the vehicles and fuel was seized as part of an operation aimed at targeting bulk fuel transport vehicles.
Customs seize five fuel tankers in Belfast
Customs officers confirmed that five fuel tankers and over 13,000 litres of fuel were seized during a multi-agency operation in Belfast on Wednesday. Working with the police, Customs officers said that the vehicles and fuel was seized as part of an operation aimed at targeting bulk fuel transport vehicles.
20 September 2011
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
Gas Price Hike 'Fuels Winter Woes'
The gas supplier, Firmus Energy has ended its previously announced summer price freeze and is set to increase tariffs by over 35% from 1 October - fuelling fears over 'fuel poverty' among the most needy. It has around 8,500 customers in the greater Belfast area - compared to competitor, Phoenix Gas - that has more than 130,000.
15 February 2002
More than half of NI petrol stations sell illegal fuel
More than half of petrol stations in Northern Ireland are selling smuggled fuel, according to the latest UK Audit Office report.
More than half of NI petrol stations sell illegal fuel
More than half of petrol stations in Northern Ireland are selling smuggled fuel, according to the latest UK Audit Office report.
13 June 2022
Govt Must Take 'Serious Action' To Reduce Fuel Prices
With 50% of the cost of a litre of petrol or diesel going to the Treasury, the Government must take serious action to reduce fuel prices across the United Kingdom, DUP Treasury Spokesman Sammy Wilson has said. Mr Wilson said: "Fuel duty and VAT make up 50% of the cost of our fuel with green taxes attributing another 7%.
Govt Must Take 'Serious Action' To Reduce Fuel Prices
With 50% of the cost of a litre of petrol or diesel going to the Treasury, the Government must take serious action to reduce fuel prices across the United Kingdom, DUP Treasury Spokesman Sammy Wilson has said. Mr Wilson said: "Fuel duty and VAT make up 50% of the cost of our fuel with green taxes attributing another 7%.
27 June 2005
Enniskillen facility to safeguard 200 jobs
A new wood fuel pellet production facility based in Enniskillen looks set to safeguard 200 jobs as well as create a further 20 positions in the foreseeable future. Balcas Ltd recently started production on one of Europe’s fastest growing renewable energy sources called ‘brites’ – the bio fuel pellet.
Enniskillen facility to safeguard 200 jobs
A new wood fuel pellet production facility based in Enniskillen looks set to safeguard 200 jobs as well as create a further 20 positions in the foreseeable future. Balcas Ltd recently started production on one of Europe’s fastest growing renewable energy sources called ‘brites’ – the bio fuel pellet.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
