Customs officers sentenced for involvement in smuggling
Paul Weaver and Steven Phillips formerly Customs employees at Ramsgate port in England were sentenced to four years and four and half years respectively after pleading guilty to conspiracy to fraudulently evade the duty chargeable on excise goods. Weaver and Phillips abused their position to allow vehicles into the UK which they knew to contain illicit goods on which excise duty was payable.
John Cooper, HMRC Senior Investigation Officer said:
"HMRC is committed to tackling criminality wherever it is found. It is particularly serious when Customs officers betray the trust society places in them. Corrupt officers are rare but we will not tolerate corruption of any sort. We are pleased with the sentences handed down which should serve as a deterrent to anyone considering involvement in such crimes."