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Journalism of Courage
Three Pakistanis who are among Britain’s 20 most-wanted alleged tax evaders,are accused of fleeing the UK while owing the government over 765 million pounds.
The names and pictures of the offenders were published by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for the first time,as investigators appealed for the public”s help to find them,reports The News.
Topping the list is Hussain Chohan,44,who was convicted for his role in a 200 million pounds fraud,part of which involved importing 2.25 tons of tobacco worth 750,000 pounds in duty.
Chohan,believed to be living and commuting between Dubai and Pakistan,was given 11 years imprisonment for smuggling and fraud offences,and for failing to appear in the court. He is also subject to a 33 million pounds confiscation order.
Nasser Ahmed,40,believed to be in Pakistan or Dubai,was sentenced to six years in 2005 for his part in VAT fraud worth around 156 million pounds. He fled before verdicts were given and was convicted and sentenced in his absence.
Another Pakistani,Zafar Baidar Chisthi,33,now believed to be living in Pakistan,is wanted for another VAT fraud worth 150 million pounds. He fled while on bail and was sentenced for 11 years in his absence for conspiracy to defraud the public purse.
“These criminals have collectively cost the taxpayer over 765 million pounds and HMRC will pursue them relentlessly. We hope that publishing their pictures in this way will enable members of the public to contribute to the effort to catch them,” Exchequer Secretary David Gauke said.
“HMRC has worked with Crime stoppers to gather information from the public that may help capture these criminals and others like them,but this is the first time that HMRC has published photographs and details of tax dodgers” crimes,” he said.
It is not clear if the HMRC has made a request to the Pakistan authorities for the arrest of these individuals.
