Jailed VAT fraudster ordered to sell helicopter

Craig Johnson, who is serving 12-and-a-half years in prison for his part in a multi-million pound mobile phone related VAT fraud, has been ordered to repay £26 million to the UK government. It means he'll need to sell his helicopter, his stately home and several luxury cars. He faces an additional 10 years in prison if he doesn't repay the money: £8m within the next 12 months and the remainder within a further year. [Source: BBC News]

Mobile phone fraudster jailed for 12 years

35-year-old Craig Johnson from Staffordshire has been jailed for over 12 years for laundering more than £6 million through so-called 'carousel fraud' that involved the import and export of mobile phones. He's one of 21 people jailed following a £138 million VAT fraud investigation by HM Revenue and Customs. Craig Johnson bought a stately home with his gains, along with a yacht, two helicopters and luxury cars. [Sources: BBC News; Mobile News]

Unique Distribution sold

Mobile phone distributor Unique Distribution is being sold to IT distributor Computer 2000, according to a report in Mobile News. Computer 2000 is a part of the US-based Tech Data group, which is already part of the Brightstar Europe distribution business. The sale is expected to be finalised within the next few days. The business is being sold by Chantrey Vellacott, the managing receiver appointed by HM Revenue and Customs after it launched a VAT fraud investigation into Unique Distribution's parent company IGB. Warehouse stock is being sold separately.

Campaign to remove VAT from charity text donations

Giving to charity is usually VAT-free... but not if you donate by text message. That's why Liberal Democrat MP Mark Oaten is calling on the Government to allow charity-based texts to become VAT-free.