A woman has been arrested after a laundering plant capable of producing nearly 3.6 million litres of illicit fuel a year and evading over £2 million in lost duty and taxes was discovered by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) during a search of domestic premises in Co Armagh yesterday (Tuesday).
HMRC officers, accompanied by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Environmental Crime Unit from the Department of Environment, safely removed four tonnes of toxic waste from the site and seized plant machinery.
Mike Parkinson, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC said: “The closure of this operation means we have stopped a large amount of illicit fuel entering the legitimate market, preventing further revenue loss and helping law-abiding traders fight unfair competition.
“These are difficult times for businesses economically and it is impossible for legitimate traders to compete on an unfair playing field. We owe it to them to support them in any way we can.
“Buying illicit fuel not only funds crime, it also supports and encourages these dangerous activities within our communities. If anyone has information about fuel fraud we would encourage them to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.”
The woman from Co Armagh has been released on bail and investigations are continuing.
Picture: HMRC
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