HMRC has announced that five of the UK’s top tax fugitives, responsible for £844m of lost tax, have been brought back to the UK to face justice following a global initiative to track down offenders who have absconded abroad before or during their trial
The five include Michael Voudouri, who fled to Northern Cyprus prior to sentencing after being found guilty of an £11.6m money laundering scam and Magdalena Ferkova, who was returned from the Czech Republic after being convicted of tax credit and child benefit fraud.
HMRC launched the 'most wanted' tax fugitives campaign in 2012, initially publishing photos and biographies of 20 individuals. A further 10 were added in 2013, alongside a crime map showing where in the world they are believed to be.
HMRC says it has also received important information on the whereabouts of five other fugitives on its list, and has published an additional five photos of tax fugitives in a bid to seek the public’s assistance in locating them. In addition, the tax authorities say they now know where 16 of the most 3anted fugitives are and will be seeking extraditions ‘where legally possible’.
Jennie Granger, HMRC’s director general of enforcement and compliance, said: ‘The individuals on our 'most wanted list have been charged but fled the country to avoid justice, so it’s excellent news for all honest taxpayers that five fugitives on last year’s list have now been brought back to face the consequences.
'This is down to the determination of our people with the help and support of the general public.’
HMRC’s updated Most Wanted list, including updated profiles and new additions to the list of fugitives, can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hmrcgovuk/sets/72157631087785530/
