Payback time for Fermanagh farmer

A Fermanagh farmer, who was jailed for stealing nearly £500,000 in fraudulent VAT repayments, has been ordered to repay £60,000 or serve a further two years in prison.

William Snow, 43, from Boa Island, Kesh was jailed for six months in May 2013, with a further 18 months on licence. An investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) revealed that Snow repeatedly made excuses to avoid a visit from HMRC officers and then Tippexed dates and payments on invoices to match the amount of VAT he had claimed.

Mike Parkinson, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said:

“Snow deliberately set out to create a false paper trail so that he could claim money that he was not entitled to. He manipulated a system that exists for the benefit of legitimate companies with the sole purpose of lining his own pockets.

“Today’s hearing will serve as a reminder that action does not stop with a prison sentence. We will pursue every avenue to ensure money is reclaimed for the taxpayer and public finances.”

Notes for editors

1. William Snow, DOB 21/06/1971, of Boa Island, Kesh appeared at Omagh Crown Court sitting in Belfast today where he was ordered to pay £60,000 or face a further two years in jail.

2. Anyone with information about people or businesses involved in tax fraud can contact HMRC through the Tax Evasion hotline on 0800 788 887 or at www.hmrc.gov.uk/reportingfraud/online.htm

3. HMRC’s Flickr channel: www.flickr.com/hmrcgovuk

4. Follow HMRC's Press Office on Twitter @HMRCpressoffice