Building boss sentenced for £49k VAT fraud
A Manchester property developer has been sentenced for a £49,000 VAT fraud.
Mark Fishwick, 49, of Shawdene Road, and director of Ecobuild (M/C) Ltd, submitted fraudulent company tax returns to underpay VAT and dishonestly reclaim tens of thousands of pounds in VAT repayments, between October 2016 and August 2017.
Fishwick told HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigators, who discovered the scam after a routine VAT inspection, that he stole the money to improve the cash flow of his business.
Tim Atkins, assistant director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Fishwick used taxpayers’ money to try and keep his own business afloat.
“He even attempted to shift the blame to an innocent employee before accepting that it was all his doing.
“VAT fraud steals money from vital public services. This money is equivalent to the starting salary of two paramedics for a year.
“We ask anyone with information about suspected tax fraud to contact our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”
Ecobuild (M/C) Ltd was set up by Fishwick in 2009 as a commercial and residential property builder and developer.
It was based in King Street West, Stockport, but was liquidated in December 2018.
Fishwick admitted VAT fraud totalling £48,996 and was today, March 29, sentenced to 18 months in jail, suspended for two years, at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.
He was also disqualified as a company director for four years and must complete 250 hours of unpaid community work.
