Published: November 21, 2008
Two arrested near Burnham-On-Sea in £400,000 tax evasion probe

Two people near Burnham-On-Sea have been arrested on suspicion of income tax evasion, VAT evasion and money laundering offences amounting to around £400,000.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) investigators, assisted by local police, searched properties and vehicles in the Highbridge and Bridgwater area on Thursday (November 20th).

A man aged 49 and a woman aged 43 were arrested and interviewed by HMRC officers before being released on police bail until 24th February 2009 while HMRC investigations continue.

There was significant police activity along the A38 near Brent Knoll on Thursday morning, which police said was linked to the raids.

HMRC spokeswoman Lisa Billard told Burnham-On-Sea.com on Friday that the investigations are ongoing locally.

Andrew Pavlinic, HMRC Assistant Director Criminal Investigation, added in a statement: "Tax fraud is a serious crime. It not only robs the exchequer of vital public funds, but is also unfair to those respectable businesses and individuals who abide by the rules. Our investigators will not hesitate to pursue those suspected of tax offences."

"Anyone with information about suspected tax fraud should call the Customs' Hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk."