25/11/2010

Tyrone Arrest Over Fuel Laundering

A border fuel laundering plant capable of producing over nine million litres of illicit fuel a year, evading almost £6 million, has been dismantled by the UK's HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

A man from Co Tyrone has been arrested and is being questioned following a raid at a private address in the Moy area.

During searches HMRC officers seized two 25,000 litre tanks, pumping equipment and a quantity of bleaching agent, used as part of the laundering process, along with 2,000 litres of laundered fuel.

Mike Connolly, Assistant Director, HMRC Specialist Investigations, said: "Handling large quantities of any fuel is risky, and should only be done in appropriate conditions, certainly not in residential surroundings.

"HMRC takes the dangerous and illegal practice of laundering fuel very seriously and we have dismantled a number of large laundering plants in recent weeks. These seizures have prevented a significant quantity of illicit fuel from entering the market, and prevented criminals from undercutting honest businesses.

"Laundered fuel is being sold at a reduced price, and motorists may think they are getting a bargain because it is cheaper, but I would caution them to think again as this type of fuel can cause damage to your vehicle."

(BMcN/GK)

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