Menu
15/12/2010
Arrests In Disability Car Scam Probe
Two men, one in his mid 30s from Warwickshire and the other in his early 20s from Greater Manchester, have been arrested on suspicion of abusing a VAT Scheme that allows individuals to use their disability status to purchase vehicles VAT free.
It is suspected that over £450,000 of VAT has been stolen through abuse of the motor vehicle scheme.
The operation by Criminal Investigators from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), supported by Police forces across the region, included one arrest and house search in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, and one arrest and house search in Stockport.
Adrian Farley, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation for HMRC, said: "The arrests are a result of many months of investigation to unravel what is believed to be a major fraud, targeting a scheme designed to help and improve the mobility and lifestyles of people with disabilities.
"We have worked in partnership and been closely supported by police forces in Warwickshire, West Mercia, Merseyside and Greater Manchester.
"One of our key priorities is to identify the abuse of our tax systems to stop criminals stealing vast amounts of public money for their own gain and to bring those responsible before the courts."
It is believed that high value vehicles worth £3.3m, including Range Rovers, Land Rovers, BMWs, Audis and a Porsche, have been purchased VAT free through the scheme, which were not for personal use.
It is alleged they would then be sold on without any adaptations to car dealerships in the UK and/or exported to Ireland and Amsterdam.
The defendants were arrested on suspicion of VAT evasion, associated money laundering, and false representation offences. They are currently being questioned by HMRC criminal investigators.
(BMcN/BMcC)
It is suspected that over £450,000 of VAT has been stolen through abuse of the motor vehicle scheme.
The operation by Criminal Investigators from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), supported by Police forces across the region, included one arrest and house search in Kenilworth, Warwickshire, and one arrest and house search in Stockport.
Adrian Farley, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation for HMRC, said: "The arrests are a result of many months of investigation to unravel what is believed to be a major fraud, targeting a scheme designed to help and improve the mobility and lifestyles of people with disabilities.
"We have worked in partnership and been closely supported by police forces in Warwickshire, West Mercia, Merseyside and Greater Manchester.
"One of our key priorities is to identify the abuse of our tax systems to stop criminals stealing vast amounts of public money for their own gain and to bring those responsible before the courts."
It is believed that high value vehicles worth £3.3m, including Range Rovers, Land Rovers, BMWs, Audis and a Porsche, have been purchased VAT free through the scheme, which were not for personal use.
It is alleged they would then be sold on without any adaptations to car dealerships in the UK and/or exported to Ireland and Amsterdam.
The defendants were arrested on suspicion of VAT evasion, associated money laundering, and false representation offences. They are currently being questioned by HMRC criminal investigators.
(BMcN/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
04 April 2011
Images Released Over March Disorder
Detectives from Operation Brontide have released 18 images of people they want to identify following the serious disorder and violence that was committed in the West End of London on Saturday 26 March. This disorder followed the peaceful TUC March in central London. The pictures are taken from a range of sources, including CCTV in the areas.
Images Released Over March Disorder
Detectives from Operation Brontide have released 18 images of people they want to identify following the serious disorder and violence that was committed in the West End of London on Saturday 26 March. This disorder followed the peaceful TUC March in central London. The pictures are taken from a range of sources, including CCTV in the areas.
03 June 2003
Tribunal rules against high street tax avoidance scheme
The independent VAT Tribunal today ruled in Customs favour to stop large, high street retailers operating a "major VAT avoidance scheme" and gaining an "unfair competitive advantage" over their smaller competitors. HM Customs and Excise said today that many major retailers have been trying to cut the amount of VAT they pay.
Tribunal rules against high street tax avoidance scheme
The independent VAT Tribunal today ruled in Customs favour to stop large, high street retailers operating a "major VAT avoidance scheme" and gaining an "unfair competitive advantage" over their smaller competitors. HM Customs and Excise said today that many major retailers have been trying to cut the amount of VAT they pay.
24 November 2014
National Counter Terrorism Awareness Week Launched
A National Counter Terrorism Awareness Week has been launched in London, with forces from across the UK leading a coordinated effort to help raise awareness. Some 3,000 officers will be involved in helping businesses, including shopping centres, cinemas and sports stadiums, train staff and improve security.
National Counter Terrorism Awareness Week Launched
A National Counter Terrorism Awareness Week has been launched in London, with forces from across the UK leading a coordinated effort to help raise awareness. Some 3,000 officers will be involved in helping businesses, including shopping centres, cinemas and sports stadiums, train staff and improve security.
05 November 2012
Children Fire Death Arrests Made
Two men have been arrested in connection with a house fire that killed six children in May, according to Derbyshire Police. The two men, aged 45 and 49, are being questioned over the fire in Victory Road.
Children Fire Death Arrests Made
Two men have been arrested in connection with a house fire that killed six children in May, according to Derbyshire Police. The two men, aged 45 and 49, are being questioned over the fire in Victory Road.
16 December 2010
Forum Urges Smaller Firms 'Prepare For VAT Rise'
A business support organisation is warning firms that the January VAT rise could leave them with a new year headache if they fail to prepare properly. All VAT registered traders will be affected by the increase, which will see VAT rise from its current 17.5% rate to 20% at midnight on January 4.
Forum Urges Smaller Firms 'Prepare For VAT Rise'
A business support organisation is warning firms that the January VAT rise could leave them with a new year headache if they fail to prepare properly. All VAT registered traders will be affected by the increase, which will see VAT rise from its current 17.5% rate to 20% at midnight on January 4.
-
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.
