A UK court has ordered the seizure of over £90 million in assets from Arif Patel, a businessman from Preston, Lancashire, who orchestrated one of the largest VAT fraud schemes in the country's history. Patel, who has been evading justice in Dubai since 2011, was found guilty in absentia of fraud and money laundering earlier this year.

Massive Fraud Operation Uncovered

Patel, 57, led a sophisticated operation involving false VAT rebate claims on non-existent exports of textiles and mobile phones. This "carousel fraud" scheme, as it is known, involved creating fake business transactions to claim back large sums of VAT. The operation also included the import and sale of counterfeit clothing, which would have been worth up to £50 million if genuine.

Seizure of Assets and Legal Proceedings

Following a 14-week trial, a judge at Chester Crown Court ordered the confiscation of Patel's UK assets, including properties in Preston, London, and overseas, as well as his luxury Ferrari 575 Superamerica. The proceeds from these sales will be directed towards public services. Patel's co-accused, Mohamed Jaffar Ali, 61, was also found guilty and ordered to repay over £677,000.

Impact and Concerns

The case has raised concerns about HMRC's ability to safeguard against VAT fraud and the lengthy process of securing convictions and asset seizures. Despite the UK having an extradition treaty with Dubai, legal experts have questioned its effectiveness, as Patel remains at large.

Joint Investigation and Sentencing

The convictions were the result of a joint investigation by HM Revenue and Customs and Lancashire Police, which also led to the imprisonment of 24 other gang members for a combined total of 116 years. Richard Las, Director of HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service, emphasized the impact of Patel's crimes on law-abiding citizens, stating that Patel's lavish lifestyle was funded at their expense.