Ten new alleged tax-dodgers have been added to the UK Government’s most-wanted list, although just one of the original 20 has been caught in the last year.
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) last year published the names and pictures of 20 people accused of fleeing while owing hundreds of thousands of pounds – and in many instances millions – for the first time.
The appeal helped provide intelligence on 15 of the alleged offenders, no update on four and one was captured, according to HMRC.
A second man not included in the original list of 20 but later said to be on it has also been caught in the last 12 months, the department says.
HMRC has now renewed its appeals on 19 of the suspects while adding 10 new names wanted in connection with offences including VAT fraud, tax evasion and money laundering.
The new people listed have cost the taxpayer between £120,000 and £10 million, HMRC claims.
Chancellor George Osborne said the new list will help bring more “tax fraudsters” to justice.
But Labour insisted the most-wanted list had been a “huge failure” with so many suspects yet to be caught.
The new list includes Michael George Voudouri, who pleaded guilty at Glasgow High Court in relation to money laundering linked to VAT fraud but failed to appear for sentencing.
HMRC said the man, aged between 40 and 50, is believed to be residing in northern Cyprus and is estimated to have cost taxpayers £10 million.
Anish Anand, aged between 25 and 35, is also included after failing to appear at Croydon Crown Court in April 2013 in relation to £6 million VAT and film tax credit fraud. Anand was convicted in his absence last month and is thought to be in the UK.
Another on the list is Michael “Arthur” Fearon, aged between 18 and 25, who was charged in connection with evasion of excise duty on nearly 8.4 million Benson & Hedges cigarettes, according to HMRC. He is also wanted by the UK Border Agency in connection with money laundering offences and also by Republic of Ireland police for driving offences.
HMRC said he crossed over the border into Northern Ireland driving a Black Mercedes C200 CDI Sport. The department estimates the Northern Irish man has cost taxpayers £2 million and believes he is in the Republic of Ireland.
Shadow Treasury minister Catherine McKinnell said:
“At a time when families are facing a cost of living crisis, it’s even more important that everyone pays their fair share of tax. The Government needs to do better.”