A wholesale potato merchant who falsely inflated his business' expenses by 2,000 per cent to claim £160,000 he wasn’t entitled to, has been jailed for two and a half years.
Scott Coupland, 48, from Leadenflower Road, Crieff and director of WDR Coupland (Produce), submitted a string of false VAT returns to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) between March 2011 and November 2012. When caught, Coupland said that his actions were driven by a downturn in business, and that he was trying to broker a business deal in Nigeria.
By claiming his overheads were more than 20 times higher than they really were, Coupland received VAT repayments much greater than he was due. Investigators found Coupland was using the VAT repayments not only to keep his ailing business afloat, but also to cover the costs of private school fees and his mortgage.
Coupland was found guilty of the fraudulent evasion of Value Added Tax at Perth Sherriff Court on 13 January 2017. He was sentenced to two and a half years behind bars on 8 February.
Cheryl Burr, assistant director at HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service, said: 'The VAT repayment system exists to support legitimate businesses, not a as bank to allow criminals access to ready cash. Coupland showed little regard to the honest taxpayers he was stealing from to fund his lifestyle and failing business.
“Our efforts are helping to create a level playing field for honest businesses to operate fairly. We have put a stop to this tax fraud, but the public’s help in fighting tax evasion is vital, and suspicious behaviour can be reported atgov.ukor by calling 0800 59 5000.”
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