VAT fraudster told to repay £3.6m

A Wirral man jailed for his part in a £60m VAT scam has been ordered to repay £3.6m to the public purse.

Daniel Jones, 50, formerly of Badgers Rake House, Chester High Road, Neston, was jailed for six years in 2005.

He admitted being part of an organised crime syndicate that stole £60m of public cash in a tax fraud.

HM Revenue and Customs officers were granted a confiscation order to seize £3.6 million of Jones's assets after a hearing a Worcester Crown Court.

He must now surrender the assets within 18 months or spend three more years in jail.

'Illicit wealth'

The seizure includes his £1m home; a 1.2m euro property in Spain; a pair of £85,000 Bertuzzi shotguns, the handles of which are etched in silver; Rolex watches; diamond jewellery and Spanish bank accounts set up to conceal his wealth.

He also had a part share in a bar Spain worth £100,000.

Andrew Pavlinic, assistant director of investigation for HMRC, said: "We are pleased that we have been able to reclaim this money for the nation and the taxpayer.

"The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is proving a vital tool in helping us take back the illicit wealth stolen by criminals and stop them returning to their luxurious lifestyles at the cost of vital public services such as hospitals, schools and care homes.

"We will continue to investigate and prosecute those involved in serious and organised fraud and pursue Confiscation Orders through the courts to deprive them of the financial benefits of their crime."

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