Labour criticises HMRC over tax evader wanted list

The Opposition says the Government "must do better" after only one person on 20-strong list is caught in year since publication.

Labour has criticised HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for only managing to catch one person on a list of the 20 most-wanted UK tax evaders a year after it named and issued photographs of them.

HMRC took the unusual step of releasing details as part of its wider crackdown on tax evasion and avoidance. It said last year that the 20 people were collectively responsible for £765 million-worth of tax evasion and fraud.

John Nugent, who was wanted for VAT fraud, was caught in the US when it was found that he had overstayed on a tourist visa. He fled there in 2000. He was subsequently jailed for four and a half years.

In July, Anthony Judge, wanted for money laundering, was added to the list. He was caught at Heathrow Airport travelling on a false passport.

Catherine McKinnell, Labour Shadow Treasury Minister and MP for Newcastle North, said: “At a time when families are facing a cost of living crisis it’s even more important that everyone pays their fair share of tax. The Government needs to do better.”

Another 10 people have recently been added to the list, which is published on HMRC’s Flickr account. Anyone with any information about anyone on the list is asked to contact Crimestoppers.

HMRC has also published a list of tax defaulters on its own website.

What do you think of HMRC's performance? Let us know in the Comments box below.

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