A MARRIED couple from Ballymoney have been arrested for questioning about a suspected £100,000 VAT fraud.
The alleged offences are understood to be linked to the construction industry.
A number of documents have been seized by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers at a private address in Ballymoney and a business premises in Portadown.
John Whiting, HMRC assistant director criminal investigation, said: “HMRC takes tax fraud extremely seriously and anyone deliberately choosing to evade the taxes they owe should expect not only a heavy fine, but possibly a criminal prosecution as well.
“Anyone with information about people who may be involved in tax fraud can contact the Tax Evasion Hotline on 0800 788 887.””
The couple were questioned by HMRC officers and later released on bail. HMRC say their investigations are continuing.
Meanwhile, as of last month, the names of anyone proven to be a deliberate tax defaulter, where the penalties imposed exceed £25,000, will have details of their conviction published online.
HMRC says the new approach is aimed at combating evasion and non-compliance by ensuring “everyone pays their fair share”.
The online list of defaulters will be updated quarterly.
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