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Arrests made in VAT fraud probe Arrests made in VAT fraud probe
(20 minutes later)
Customs officers have made 10 arrests across England and Wales in a £250m value added tax (VAT) fraud case.Customs officers have made 10 arrests across England and Wales in a £250m value added tax (VAT) fraud case.
The arrests relate to "carousel fraud", where criminals import high value goods free of VAT, from other countries in the European Union.The arrests relate to "carousel fraud", where criminals import high value goods free of VAT, from other countries in the European Union.
These goods are then sold in the UK with VAT charged, but the criminals disappear with the tax instead of handing it over to Revenue & Customs.These goods are then sold in the UK with VAT charged, but the criminals disappear with the tax instead of handing it over to Revenue & Customs.
Further arrests are expected Revenue & Customs said.Further arrests are expected Revenue & Customs said.
LOCATIONS WHERE ARRESTS WERE MADE LondonNewportNuneatonUttoxeterBeaconsfieldBedworthCoventryBowdenSource: Revenue & Customs Arrests were made in the capital, south of England, south Wales and the midlands. LOCATIONS WHERE ARRESTS WERE MADE LondonNewportNuneatonUttoxeterBeaconsfieldBedworthCoventryBowdenSource: Revenue & Customs Arrests were made in the capital, south of England, south Wales, Cheshire and the midlands.
European arrest warrants have been issued in France and Spain against four people.European arrest warrants have been issued in France and Spain against four people.
The ten men are currently being held in London police stations in connection with the sale of large quantities of mobile phones.The ten men are currently being held in London police stations in connection with the sale of large quantities of mobile phones.
Ongoing investigationOngoing investigation
The arrests are part of an ongoing five year investigation into VAT fraud.The arrests are part of an ongoing five year investigation into VAT fraud.
In July 2003, 350 officers raided 93 premises across the UK and Spain, and made 42 arrests.In July 2003, 350 officers raided 93 premises across the UK and Spain, and made 42 arrests.
"We have a duty to protect the revenue given the scale and nature of the attack we are seeing," Euan Stewart, deputy director of criminal investigation for Revenue & Customs."We have a duty to protect the revenue given the scale and nature of the attack we are seeing," Euan Stewart, deputy director of criminal investigation for Revenue & Customs.
"Today's arrests follow years of painstaking effort by dedicated officers."Today's arrests follow years of painstaking effort by dedicated officers.
"The sophistication of the organised crime gangs behind these frauds means that our investigations are increasingly complex," Mr Stewart said."The sophistication of the organised crime gangs behind these frauds means that our investigations are increasingly complex," Mr Stewart said.