Some of UK’s most wanted tax fugitives ‘living in Dubai’
Three of the Britain’s 20 most wanted tax fugitives are thought to be living in Dubai, authorities said after taking the unusual step of releasing the names and details of the country’s biggest tax evaders.
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HM Revenue & Customs published the details of the nineteen men and one woman, all wanted for payments totalling £765m ($1.2bn).
While many on the list are thought to be hiding in Britain, others are said to be living abroad in countries including Monaco, South Africa and Iraq.
The list includes the names of three men, Hussain Chohan, Adam Umerji and Nasser Ahmed, all of whom are suspected by HM Revenue & Customs to be living in Dubai.
Hussain Chohan is wanted for failing to appear in court for his part in an estimated £200m fraud. The 44-year old British-Pakistani was sentenced to eleven years in absentia for smuggling and fraud offences and failing to appear in court. He has also been served with a £33m confiscation order.
Adam Umerji, aka Shafiq Patel, is also thought to be living in Dubai. The 34-year old Briton was sentenced to 12 years in prison for VAT fraud and money laundering in absentia.
Nasser Ahmed is wanted for his role in a £156m VAT fraud scam. Ahmed, who is believed to be residing in Pakistan or Dubai, fled the UK prior to his 2005 court verdict. He was sentenced to six years in jail in March 2005 and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
The publication is part of a government campaign aimed at tackling tax evasion, said Exchequer Secretary David Gauke.
“The government is absolutely committed to tackling tax evasion and fraud,” said Gauke.
“These criminals have collectively cost the taxpayer over £765m 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.”
