The Preston mastermind of a fake designer clothing scam has been convicted of one of the UK’s largest ever carousel tax frauds
The mastermind of a fake designer clothing scam has been convicted of one of the UK’s largest ever carousel tax frauds.Sock manufacturer Arif Patel, 55, formerly of Sharoe Green Lane in Fulwood, and his criminal gang tried to steal £97 million through VAT repayment claims on false exports of textiles and mobile phones.
HMRC has also restrained more than £78 million of the gang’s UK assets and proceedings are now underway to recover these funds for the public purse. “Our work doesn’t stop here. We have more than £78 million of the gang’s UK assets restrained and have begun the process to recover all those proceeds of crime.”
Arif Patel and the Faisaltex group of companies had turned to bulk imports of counterfeit clothing in 2004. During the next three years dozens of containers with fake designer clothing inside were stopped at ports across the UK, including Liverpool, Southampton and Felixstowe. Onward distribution to UK traders was confirmed when a delivery to a Glasgow wholesaler was intercepted by police and revealed to be poorly made designer rip-offs.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Preston Docks fire live updates as eight fire engines rush to blazeLancashire Fire and Rescue Service are warning people to keep doors and windows closed
Read more »
Preston village without a shop finally set for convenience storeCampaigners had continually highlighted the fact there was nowhere to buy staples, despite more and more houses being built
Read more »
Preston soul food restaurant rated a solid 10 by Youtube sensationCoco's Soul Food in 88 Friargate Pic: d.ocument A Preston soul food restaurant with 'flavours from around the world' has been rated 10 out of 10 by a popul
Read more »
Grocery store plans confirmed for demolished Preston bus depot siteThe 20th century structure was demolished in 2021
Read more »
Tesco to open another Preston city centre storeThe chain now has Express stores within 10 minutes of 80% of the UK population
Read more »
Preston Docks fire update as eight crews battle huge cardboard blazeThe blaze involved a large amount of cardboard and nearby residents were urged to keep their windows and doors closed
Read more »