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Builder jailed for £800,000 VAT scam

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4th Oct 2012
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A Canterbury builder has been jailed for VAT fraud offences totalling more than £800,000 following an HMRC investigation.

Wayne Morris Harrison, aged 52, admitted submitting fraudulent VAT repayment claims to HMRC in respect of two building and development companies he directed – David Charles Homes Limited and Weybridge Homes Limited.

HMRC officers searching Harrison’s former home in Broadstairs found evidence of “significant” personal expenditure inlcuding money transfers to Russia, golf club and gym membership, designer jewellery and a large, newly built kitchen and conservatory.

The court heard that between 2006 and 2009 Harrison fraudulently claimed VAT refunds totalling £812,250. These were claimed on the basis that both companies were involved in new build residential properties, which are zero rated for VAT purposes.

This meant that any standard rated VAT costs incurred could be reclaimed. In fact, the only building work was to an unfinished property near Canterbury and extensive renovation of his home in Broadstairs, which he has since left. The other claims were made up to illegally receive VAT repayments.

Investigations into Harrison’s claims uncovered fake invoices, and falsified documents purporting to be from legitimate suppliers. He also reclaimed the VAT on bills he had not paid. It is thought that some of the money Harrison fraudulently obtained was used to purchase an apartment in Russia.

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