John Powell earned almost £1 million in 20 years’ work as a self-employed consultant quantity surveyor. But he failed to declare his earnings or to pay any income tax or National Insurance.
One of his cash purchases was a property in Antibes on the French Riviera.
Richard Meadows, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said: “This fraud was all about enhancing Powell’s lifestyle. It is not acceptable to exploit the UK tax system at the expense of others who pay what is due, when it is due.
“We are investing more resources than ever in investigating those involved in this type of criminality. I encourage anyone with information about people or businesses involved in tax fraud to contact our tax evasion hotline on 0800 788 887.”
Mr Powell worked as a quantity surveyor in the civil engineering industry, mainly on new building complexes in both the UK and overseas.
He was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court to two and a half years in prison, after admitting to cheating the public revenue, contrary to common law, at a previous hearing.
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2014
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