Fugitive Fraudster John Dalton Hit with Massive £3.5 Million Asset Seizure
John Dalton, born Paul Kemp and once on the run for a decade, has been slammed with a staggering £3.49 million confiscation order after a major VAT fraud scheme. The 56-year-old fled the UK in 2007 to dodge police, only to be caught in Spain in 2017 and finally brought to justice.
Mastermind Behind Multi-Million VAT Scam
Dalton was part of a large conspiracy that claimed fake VAT repayments from HMRC. The racket used bogus companies, forged documents, and fake offices that barely existed. Most of these firms never traded legally and frequently changed premises to avoid detection.
He was jailed for five years and four months back in 2018 after pleading guilty to his role in this elaborate fraud. His accomplices were locked up in 2010, receiving nearly a decade of combined sentences.
£3.5 Million Confiscation Order – Pay Up or Face More Jail Time
Following a six-day court hearing in May 2021, Judge Silas Reid ruled that Dalton owes £3,491,433. The judge was adamant the fraudster’s global assets exceed this figure, saying, “On the evidence I have, I am NOT satisfied… that Mr Dalton’s worldwide assets are worth less.”
If Dalton fails to cough up the full amount within three months, he faces another ten years behind bars.
Police Vow to Hunt Every Penny Stolen
“Dalton is a career criminal who has cheated his way through life,” said Detective Superintendent Patrick Milford of Major Economic and Cyber Crime. “Our investigators have uncovered properties in the UK and France, and suspected more hidden assets worldwide—now confirmed by the court.”
“This huge payment order shows how vital the Proceeds of Crime Act is in stopping criminals from profiting after prison. If Dalton pays in full, Kent Police stands to reclaim a significant chunk, which will be reinvested to protect our communities.”
With the net finally closing in on Dalton, the fight continues to ensure he pays back every penny of the ill-gotten gains.
