SPECIAL DIESEL MARKER FEARS

Concern raised that fuel bandits have cracked new diesel fiscal marker

FEARS that the diesel ‘marker’ has been cracked by illegal fuel launderers emerged this week after a tanker dumped in the Dundalk area was reported to have shown no evidence of the marker.

The tanker was discovered outside the town just two weeks ago, and has led to concerns that the marker has been removed from agricultural diesel. Revenue have confirmed that they are aware of the incident, which is ‘currently under investigation with a view to prosecution.’

A spokeswoman told the Argus: ‘We are alert to the resourcefulness of those involved in criminality in the fuel trade and are ready to respond to any new developments in this area.’

The marking system was first introduced three years ago in a cross border bid to combat diesel laundering.

The spokeswoman said that an integral part of Revenue’s strategy is to ‘actively combat fuel laundering.’

‘In recent years, Revenue has implemented a comprehensive and successful strategy to tackle fuel fraud, including a new fiscal marker implemented jointly with the UK.’

She said a broad sampling of the industry was carried out last year.

‘Although the available evidence to date indi- cates that the new marker cannot be laundered by conventional methods, we remain vigilant.’

‘A further sampling programme is currently underway which has been expanded to include hauliers and other businesses in the transport sector as well as auto fuel traders.’

‘While we welcome the effectiveness of the measures introduced over the last few years and the very positive outcome of the collaboration with HMRC, we are not complacent.’