Local couple sentenced for Tax Fraud

A COUPLE FROM Middlesex have been sentenced to a total of five years and eight months in prison after committing fraud while employed by HMRC (Her Royal Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) last month on 14 January at Isleworth Crown Court.

They failed to declare over £1.2 million earned from their property portfolio to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and falsely claiming tax credits. Joff Parsons, Head of Internal Governance Criminal Investigations, HMRC, said:

“As an HMRC employee Savita Seth was in a privileged position and knew better than to hide her income. But she was motivated by greed and betrayed the trust that was placed in her and cheated the tax system she was employed to uphold.

He added: “HMRC will not tolerate misconduct. We will thoroughly investigate any allegation of wrong doing and bring those responsible before the courts so justice can be served.”

Evidence proved that between 1996 and 2012, the couple bought 16 properties and lied about their income. When caught they owned nine residential properties in London and Berkshire; two business premises in Bingley, West Yorkshire, and Cumbria; a static caravan in the UK and two holiday homes in Spain and USA.