Woolwich Crown Court.
A DODGEY CAR dealer has been jailed after he committed tax and benefit fraud, where he stole almost £86,000 while selling second-hand cars.
Philip Roff, 67, of Rennets Wood Road, Eltham, London SE9, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in prison on 23 October 2015 at Woolwich Crown Court.
London car dealer Philip Roff was found out after a joint investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Department of Work and Pensions, where he failed to register self-assessment, declare tax and national insurance regarding his business activities. Mr Roff evaded a total of £27, 460 in taxes.
Martin Brown, Assistant Director of Fraud Investigation Service, for HMRC, said:
“Roff thought he was below our radar, acting as though the law did not apply to him. He also claimed benefits to which he was not entitled. He stole from the taxpayer and the nation’s finances and is now living with the consequences of his criminal actions.”
HMRC officers found £926,472 had passed through his bank account between November 2007 and November 2013, including £250 a month in interest he received from a savings account. Roff also falsely claimed more than £58,528 from the DWP – failing to declare he had over £80,000 in savings – well over the £16,000 threshold for claiming benefits.
He was charged with offences under the Taxes Management Act 1970 and the Social Security Administration Act 1992
His Honour Judge Latz commented on sentencing: “You have a strong streak of dishonesty and are evasive, and have shown a complete lack of remorse.”
Confiscation proceedings to reclaim the money are underway.