SOCIAL FRAUD Student Snared in UK’s First Instagram Tax Fraud Conviction

A London student has made history as the first person convicted for promoting tax fraud on social media. Habeeb Ajaga, 21, used Instagram to push criminal schemes aimed at cheating VAT systems.

Instagram Fraudster Busted by HMRC

Ajaga ran two Instagram accounts where he encouraged others to commit tax fraud. After HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service teamed up with the social media firm to shut down one account in 2022, he quickly opened a second in 2023. Authorities tracked both accounts back to Ajaga, who was interviewed under caution last September.

Guilty Plea and Suspended Sentence

In a Southwark Crown Court hearing on 16 October 2025, Ajaga pleaded guilty to two counts of encouraging fraud. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years – a stark warning to others thinking of exploiting social media for illegal tax dodging.

Simon Grunwell, head of HMRC’s cybercrime investigations, said: “This landmark conviction sends a clear message: we will act against anyone promoting tax fraud online. We back the law-abiding majority and have the power to stamp out those trying to undermine the tax system. Anyone aware of tax scams should report them via GOV.UK.”

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