Couple arrested in VAT fraud probe

A NORTH West man and a woman have been arrested in connection with a suspected VAT fraud and associated money laundering, as part of an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs.

The couple, both 45 and from Little Hulton, Salford, have been bailed until June.
 
HMRC officers searched two premises in Manchester on Wednesdaywhere they seized paperwork and electronic equipment. A large quantity of cash was also detained as suspected proceeds of crime.
 
The arrests are part of a HMRC taskforce tackling potential tax dodgers in the region,  suspected to be abusing the VAT repayments system.

Sandra Smith, assistant director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC said: “Our taskforces are deployed in sectors and areas where we’ve detected a high risk of tax evasion. If you haven’t declared all your income we will find you and investigate. This could result in a heavy fine and, in some cases, in a prosecution as well.”