From: EDP24
A smuggling crackdown has seen four men arrested in connection with illegally importing three million cigarettes as part of an organised gang operation.
An investigation into the alleged fraud saw nearly 70 officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) carry out searches of three residential and one business premises in the Brandon area.
Three of the men, aged 52, 24, and 34, were arrested on November 12. The other, aged 27, was arrested on November 15.
The arrested men are alleged to have dodged paying £600,000 in duty on the smuggled cigarettes.
Paul Barton, assistant director criminal investigation for HMRC, said: “This operation targeted what we believe to be an organised criminal gang suspected of large-scale cigarette smuggling.
“Our activity sends a clear message to those involved in this type of criminality. Attempts to import, distribute and sell tobacco goods on which UK duty has not been paid are treated extremely seriously by HMRC, and we will relentlessly pursue any individuals or crime gangs believed to be involved.”
All four men have been bailed until February 12 next year while HMRC investigators continue to work on the case.
People can report suspected selling of illegal tobacco and cigarettes by calling HMRC’s 24 hour Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.
