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Sums don't add up for
Manchester accountant
AN accountant from Levenshulme, who
created fake Tax returns and expense accounts to steal more than £285,000 has
been jailed after he was caught by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Amjad Ali, 65, whose business was based in Longsight, used his client's details
to create fraudulent online Self Assessment Income Tax returns. In the majority
of cases, he added non-existent employee travel and subsistence expenses, with
some including fictitious pension details and fake self employment work.
Ali admitted that over 5 years he had claimed more than £285,000 in fraudulent
Income Tax refunds as a result of these fictitious Tax accounts.
Sandra Smith, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said:-
"As an accountant, Ali was in a position of trust and well aware that he was
breaking the law. This was a well organised, professional attempt to manipulate
the UK Tax system in order to steal money that should have been funding public
services. This was an ambitious plan to steal money from UK taxpayers, which we
have intercepted. Ali now has a criminal record and his professional reputation
is ruined. If you know of anyone who is committing Tax fraud you can report them
by calling our 24 hour Hotline on:- 0800 59 5000." On 24 May 2016, Ali entered a guilty plea in respect of 42 clients and admitted
he stole £285,344.91 in false Income Tax repayments.
Alongside the criminal investigation, HMRC has reviewed the Tax affairs of Ali's
clients. The investigation has established that more than £725,000 in Tax has
been under declared or claimed fraudulently with Ali believed to have pocketed
between £80,000 and £110,000 as his share or 'fee'. The remainder is being
recovered through his client's Tax bills, with HMRC ensuring the correct amount
of Tax is paid.
On Friday, 2 September 2016, Ali was jailed for 43 months at Manchester Crown Court. |
