Fake Fashion Fraudster Ordered to Repay £90 Million in Landmark Court Ruling
Arif Patel, a mastermind of a fraudulent designer clothing scam and involved in massive tax fraud in the UK, has been ordered to repay over £90 million following a court ruling. Patel, formerly based in the UK, conducted a complex VAT fraud scheme and counterfeit clothing sale, using the proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle.
- Country:
- United Kingdom
In a significant legal victory, Arif Patel, an Indian-origin fraudster, has been ordered to repay over £90 million following his involvement in one of the UK's largest tax frauds. Patel orchestrated a criminal network involved in fake designer clothing and fraudulent VAT claims, causing substantial losses to the UK's public revenue.
Patel, a 57-year-old former clothing manufacturer now residing in Dubai, was previously convicted of conspiracy to cheat public revenue and money laundering. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) secured a Confiscation Order against him, enabling the sale of his assets to reclaim the owed funds. This order is part of a broader crackdown on economic crime by UK authorities.
The scam saw Patel and his organized crime group steal £33.4 million through fake VAT claims and import counterfeit clothes worth £19.19 million. His lavish lifestyle, funded by these illegal gains, highlights the serious impact of financial crime on the taxpayer, leading to a rigorous effort by CPS, HMRC, and Lancashire Police to recover public funds.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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