HM REVENUE and Customs raided 15 properties in the South West including places in Stroud on Wednesday as part of an investigation into a suspected £35 million tax fraud.
Seven men and three women have been arrested as more than 80 officers from HMRC searched three private and 12 business addresses in Stroud, Bath, Bournemouth, Bristol, Berkshire, Exeter, Swindon and Yate on Wednesday, October 4.
Colin Spinks, assistant director of the Fraud Investigation Service, said: “Tax fraud is often thought victimless but it isn’t; the public lose out on vital funds for essential services.
"We will continue to work with our partners to tackle this crime and ask anyone with information about this kind of activity to contact our HMRC Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”
Computers and business records were seized during the operation.
Those arrested were interviewed by HMRC and have been released under investigation.
Investigations are continuing.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here