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74-year-old Geoffrey Johnson was jailed for almost 25 years in his absence

One of Britain’s most-wanted tax fugitives, Forfar man Geoffrey Johnson, has been captured.

The 74-year-old was at the centre of a multi-million-pound tax fraud as part of an 18-strong crime gang.

He fled the UK in July 2014 to avoid prison and remained ahead of the authorities for three years as they chased him from country to country.

The pensioner was caught travelling with a fake passport as he flew between Kenya and Dubai on July 7.

As soon as his true identity was uncovered, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) moved quickly and assisted the Dubai authorities in securing his return to the UK.

Johnson had already been sentenced to prison in his absence, when both he and his son were also ordered to repay £109 million worth of criminal proceeds.

Following his return to the UK and appearance at Kingston Crown Court yesterday, he was taken into custody to start 24-and-a-half years in prison.

Simon York, director of HMRC’s fraud investigation service, said: “We’ve been pursuing Johnson from the day he decided to flee the UK.

“Despite him taking audacious measures to evade capture, we tracked him across the globe and he is now back to begin a long spell in prison.

“This sophisticated fraud was outright theft of money intended for important public services and it is right that he now pays the price for that crime.”

Johnson’s gang, based in England, Wales, Scotland and Spain, set up a number of businesses claiming to be legitimately importing and selling mobile phones.

They hid their fraud behind a complex web of transactions, but HMRC investigators discovered it was all an elaborate VAT repayment fraud.

Investigators followed a trail of laundered stolen money through bank accounts in the UK and abroad.

Johnson is said to have been instrumental in laundering the criminal proceeds of the fraud.

Rather than stand trial, Johnson along with his son Gareth, became fugitives and fled the UK. He also faces 24 years behind bars.

Gareth Johnson remains at large and anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 0800 788 887.

Geoffrey Johnson was caught travelling on a false passport.