Sentences were handed down today in a VAT fraud case involving a sophisticated network of companies that moved large quantities of high-value computer processing units between Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
Three men and a woman have been sentenced to a total of 9 years and two months imprisonment today following a British customs investigation into VAT Missing Trader Fraud.
The investigation began in February 2002 when over 25 properties were raided in the South East of England, the Midlands and the North of England.
Simultaneous visits were made by officers from the Revenue Commissioners in the Republic of Ireland.
Assistant Chief Investigation Officer Mr Arthur Gilchrist said: "These individuals committed a systematic attack on the VAT system."
Paul Andrew Ward (37) of 90 Nelson Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire was sentenced to 6 years and 6 months. Michael Stuart Keech (36) of Longbarn Mount Hill, Wicken, Northamptonshire, was sentenced to 12 months.
Karina Clarke (24) of 10 Mount Ephraim Lane, Streatham, London was sentenced to 12 months. Paul Warren Sykes (33) of 51 Whitehall Road, Ramsgate, Kent was sentenced to 8 months.
PA
