HMRC leads global probe into major till fraud

A gang suspected of being behind a multi-million pound global fraud that uses software to hide till sales has been targeted with the arrest of five people by HMRC.

This is the result of an extensive investigation and intelligence operation led to an international probe with enforcement action taken in the UK US and Australia. More than 100 HMRC officers visited 90 businesses across England Scotland and Wales in a week of co-ordinated action.

The businesses are suspected of using an electronic sales suppression (ESS) tool to manipulate their takings to evade paying tax and HMRC has used data to identify thousands of potential users. These businesses can now make a voluntary disclosure to correct their records and pay the right tax. HMRC will contact those who do not come forward which could lead to more severe penalties.

It is suspected the...