Jailed for £800,000 booze scam

Undercover customs officers cracked a booze duty scam which netted a New Romney haulage director up to £800,000.

Anthony Jones used his slice of the profits from the illegal scheme on fast cars, motorbikes, gambling and flash holidays.

But the 48 year old disgraced director now claims he is homeless, penniless, facing a second bankruptcy AND being dumped by his wife!

Jones, of Finn Farm Court, Kingsnorth has been jailed for six-and-a-half years after admitting money laundering and three offences relating to his role as a director.

Canterbury Crown Court heard how the booze was brought into the UK and through a “sophisticated operation using shadow companies” where tax was avoided and the alcohol was sold on the cheap in the Bradford area.

But Judge, Catherine Brown told Jones: “Some people might suggest that this type of crime is victimless... the fact is that is far from the case.

“The loss of revenue to the Exchequer results in money not being available for hospitals, schools, social care... or can result in cuts and all the implications that has to the most vulnerable in society.”

The court heard how HMRC and police officials trailed Jones and Hardip Singh, from Bradford, to the M25 service station at South Mimms in June 2016.

There, Singh placed a blue holdall containing £145,806 into the boot of a black Range Rover driven by Jones, the court heard.

Officers then raided Jones’ home and discovered another £138,430 in sterling and $7376 in US dollars.

Five months later, the home was raided again when another £10,740 in cash was seized.

Officials then went through Jones’ bank account which revealed £357,000 in cash had been deposited.

‘The loss of revenue can result in cuts with the implications that brings for the most vulnerable in society’

The case was heard at Canterbury Crown Court and Judge Catherine Brown said it was ‘not a victimless crime’