91福利社

The Government鈥檚 anti-corruption champion Dame Margaret Hodge has accused one of the UK鈥檚 most prolific tax fraudsters of 鈥渁busing the justice system鈥�. Arif Patel, originally from Preston but now on the run in Dubai, led a gang running an elaborate carousel fraud operation, stealing tens of millions of pounds. It worked by using using sham companies to move goods in and out of the country to generate false VAT refunds.

In 2023, he was convicted in his absence of tax fraud, money-laundering, false accounting and selling counterfeit goods. Last year a judge ordered Patel to repay 拢90.5m he鈥檇 gained through criminal activity. He is challenging that at the Court of Appeal, despite being on the run.

Criminals defrauding the tax system costs the UK billions of pounds in lost revenue each year.

File on 4 Investigates hears how those who investigated him are frustrated that he's still evading justice.

Presented by Ben Robinson
Producer: Alys Harte
Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards
Editor: Tara McDermott
Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster
Production Management Assistant: Tim Fernley

Image Credit: HMRC Handout.