Southampton Businessman Arrested Over £50k Tax Fraud

15 November 2014, 23:00 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A Southampton businessman's been questioned over a £50,000 tax fraud.

The 50-year-old man was arrested by criminal investigators from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) at a residential address in Southampton on Thursday (13 November).
 
The scale of the suspected fraud is estimated to be in excess of £50,000.
 
John Cooper, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said:
 
“Tackling tax fraud is a priority for HMRC and we will not hesitate to investigate those suspected of stealing public funds. Anyone with information about people who may be involved in this type of fraud can contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.”
 
As part of the operation, HMRC investigators searched three residential addresses, a storage lock-up and a business premises in Southampton; one residential address in Waterlooville; a business premises in Portsmouth and one business address in Arundel, West Sussex.
 
During the searches investigators also seized business records, 18 kilos of hand-rolling tobacco and over £13,000 in cash.
 
The man has now been interviewed by HMRC and released on bail until 13 February 2015. Investigations remain ongoing.