Sisters on £161m VAT fraud charge

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Two sisters have appeared in court charged with a series of fraud offences, including trying to obtain £161m of VAT.

Andrea Owen, 40, of Colwyn Bay, Conwy county, faces four fraud charges, while Roberta Owen, 35, who lives in the same town, faces two.

The pair are jointly charged with another two offences including the VAT offence. No pleas were given.

Magistrates in Llandudno gave them unconditional bail until 17 February.

Among the charges faced is an offence of obtaining tax credit by both sisters, and making a false claim for mortgage and car hire payments under an insurance policy for those who suffer a loss of earning.

Andrea Owen is charged with making a false representation to gain £572,400 by claiming to Link Lending that her job involved investments with a monthly income of between £18,000 and £22,000.

She also faces a similar offence which alleges she intended to gain £179,000.

The court decided the matter should be heard before a crown court after hearing from a prosecuting lawyer for HM Revenue and Customs.