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Fugitive money launderer
extradited in joint operation
A convicted money launderer, who fled
overseas in 2012, has been extradited to the UK where he will now begin a 6 year
prison sentence, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced.
Darren John Bagnall is subject to a £1.6 million confiscation order, relating to
a 2007 conviction for money laundering. In November 2012, Bagnall fled to Dubai
telling magistrates that it was to realise assets to settle the order. He failed
to return and told the Court that he was too unwell to travel.
In April 2015, on the application of the Crown Prosecution Service, the
Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court activated a 6 year default sentence
owing to Bagnall's failure to pay, and a European Arrest Warrant was issued.
In July 2015, Bagnall was arrested by Cypriot police officers in Nicosia,
Cyprus, under the authority of the warrant. Following Court Proceedings in
Cyprus, Bagnall was extradited to the UK, on 13 October 2015, to begin his
sentence.
Kevin Newe, Assistant Director, HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service, London and
South region, said:- "Bagnall's extradition demonstrates our determination
to use all legal means to ensure that those who abscond for not paying what they
owe are brought to justice, no matter where they try to hide. In this case, it
takes on greater importance given that, with interest, Bagnall still owes some
£2.2 million, which we are determined to make him pay."
Gary Balch, Deputy Head of Crown Prosecution Service's Proceeds of Crime, said:-
"This case underscores the Crown Prosecution Service's determination to
ensure that those who are subject to confiscation orders pay them in full or
face the consequences. If a defendant refuses to pay, or tries to avoid paying,
they will be found and locked up while we continue to track down their ill
gotten gains."
HMRC publishes details of the Most Wanted Tax Fugitives online. Anyone with any
information on the whereabouts of these people should contact the HMRC Tax
Evasion Hotline, on:- 0800 788 887. |
