Tax Cheat Khan Caught After Fleeing £817K VAT Scam
Mohammad Tanwir Khan, 66, from Heaton Moor, Stockport, ran Spearpoint Limited and swindled over £800,000 in a massive VAT fraud. After being convicted in 2013, he fled to Pakistan to dodge justice.
More Than 350 Fake Invoices Exposed
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) uncovered Khan’s scheme involving 350+ fake invoices for bogus exports. This trick pocketed him VAT repayments he never deserved.
He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison in August 2013, plus a hefty £696,749 repayment order. Refusing to pay risked another three years behind bars.
Evading Justice No Longer an Option
But Khan’s run ended when he returned to the UK and was arrested on 13 August 2021. He faced Nightingale Crown Court via video link on 18 August, where his original sentence was upheld.
He also got an extra six months for absconding – no more dodging the law for Khan.
HMRC Cracks Down on Tax Fraud
“Khan stole more than £800,000 of taxpayers’ money and thought he could escape punishment – but now he must serve his sentence,” said Eden Noblett, Assistant Director at HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service.
“Tax crime steals vital funds from public services. We don’t stop at conviction – we always go after the stolen cash.
“Most play by the rules, but a stubborn few cheat. If you know about tax fraud, report it online or call the Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”
Confiscation proceedings to recover Khan’s stolen VAT are ongoing. Fail to pay, and he risks another three years in jail – plus any interest on the debt.
