Arrests for Covid fraud rise almost 200%

The number of arrests made by HMRC in relation to Covid-related fraud has jumped almost 200% in the last year from nine to 26 according to research from international law firm RPC.

HMRC was given an extra £100m to form a taxpayer protection taskforce and hire 1 265 staff to combat fraud carried out in relation to the various HMRC-administered government financial support pandemic schemes through to 2023.

Adam Craggs partner and head of the tax financial crime and regulatory team at RPC said: ‘HMRC is now deploying huge amounts of resources to track down individuals and businesses who committed Covid-related fraud. It already had a large number of officers who are experienced in investigations and compliance work but the extra funds provided by the government to crack down on Covid fraud has really helped them ramp up their efforts.’

By the end of March...