A 72-year-old Lincolnshire pensioner, who deceived the tax office out of £188,000 over the space of more than 11 years, has been sentenced.
Charles Philip Dobbs, who is also known as Philip Dobbs, traded as Skegness Wholesale Supplies from 2000 until 2011.
However, Mr Dobbs never registered the company for tax and used an invalid VAT number to dupe HMRC.
Dobbs, who lives in Metheringham, Lincolnshire, pleaded guilty and was given a 16 month jail sentence, suspended for two years, at Lincoln Crown Court.
Gary Lampon, Assistant Director Criminal Investigation, HMRC said: “Dobbs cheated his customers and HMRC by charging VAT on the goods he sold and pocketed the money.
“This fraud was motivated by greed and was totally unfair to traders who play by the rules and pay the correct tax.
“If you suspect anyone of fraud you can report them by calling our 24 hour hotline on 0800 59 5000.”
Dobbs’ deception was revealed after HMRC arrested him at his home in 2012.
Officers searched the premises and seized nearly £10,000 in cash and documents which included blank invoices showing the fraudulent VAT number.
Dobbs was later charged and pleaded guilty on November 13, 2013 to knowingly committing fraudulent VAT evasion, when he ran Skegness Wholesale Supplies.
If you have a tax enquiry please call KinsellaTax on 0800 471 4546 and speak with one of our tax investigations expert.
