Man arrested over £1 million HMRC fraud

A 32-year East Londoner has been arrested by the Metropolitan Police over e-crime fraud suspected to be worth over 1 million against HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The man was arrested at his home in Poplar on suspicion of fraud and money laundering. He is being held in custody at Bethnal Green police station.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Police Central e-crime Unit (PCeU) began the investigation in June after an e-crime attack was reported on HMRC's systems.

They looked into a criminal network, believed to be stealing money from HMRC through fraudulent claims made through the self-assessment tax repayment system.

Detective chief inspector Terry Wilson, from the PCeU, said in a statement: "This is a complex operation by the Met and HMRC, and shows how such e-crime attacks and frauds are being identified and taken very seriously by both organisations."

A HMRC spokesperson said: "We are working closely with the police to tackle the threat of this kind of crime.This arrest is a useful step forward.

"HMRC is determined to bring to justice those responsible for trying to obtain fraudulent self assessment repayments. Our IT and online systems remain safe and secure."