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Horse sense evades
jailed Tax fraudster
A Widnes man who pretended to trade
in equine medicine and claimed to have a £25 million bank balance, has been
jailed after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) exposed his £2 million VAT fraud.
Anthony Knowles, 57, of Clapgate Crescent, submitted several suspicious VAT
repayment claims to HMRC in 2013 prompting an investigation.
During routine checks on Knowles' VAT repayment claims, HMRC uncovered a
myriad of false documents and lies. The investigation revealed that he had
provided officers with false paperwork, including bank statements, in a bid
to convince them that his multi million pound business was booming; despite
it being run from his 2 bedroom Council House.
Knowles also falsely claimed that his business was being financially
supported by a sheik; who HMRC was never able to trace.
Sandra Smith, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said:-
"In this case, Knowles provided dozens of fake documents to convince
HMRC he was genuinely trading as a multi million pound empire. Throughout
the investigation Knowles made a number of outlandish claims to prove he was
legitimate, but our officers saw through his scam. Knowles was
attempting to steal a substantial sum of money from British Taxpayers and
his abuse of the VAT repayment system was ambitious to say the least. HMRC
will now begin action to recover public finances stolen in this case under
Proceeds of Crime legislation."
After Knowles was interviewed by HMRC officers, in September 2013 his home
was searched where HMRC investigator's discovered forged bank statements;
which were blank and ready for use, fake supplier invoices, digital copies
of signatures to create false delivery notes and evidence of luxury
spending. A look into his financial affairs found he had attempted to buy a
Cheshire mansion and farm, and received quotes for building a huge
extension. Knowles was sentenced to 4 years' imprisonment at Liverpool
Crown Court on Monday, 15 February 2016.
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