HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has arrested 11 individuals, including tax agents, across multiple U.K. locations in connection with suspected fraud involving the country’s research and development (R&D) tax relief programs. The arrests are part of a broader effort to tackle misuse of the government-backed scheme, HMRC confirmed.
Nationwide Operation Targets Tax Fraud
On Tuesday, HMRC executed search warrants at several business addresses across the U.K., arresting individuals who are accused of submitting false or misleading R&D tax relief claims. While the names of the suspects have not been released, the operation marks a significant step in combating tax fraud.
“This is just one small part of the comprehensive and wide-ranging action we’re taking to tackle suspected R&D fraud,” Jonathan Smith, HMRC’s director for agent compliance, said in a statement.
HMRC Arrests 11 Suspected Of R&D Tax Fraud : Companies Under Investigation
Two companies, Green Jellyfish Ltd. and Kirby & Haslam Ltd., have confirmed they are under investigation by HMRC. Both companies, which share a registered address in Norwich, issued separate statements affirming their full cooperation with the authorities.
