HMRC has recovered more than £1bn from the proceeds of crime since the formation of its specialist fraud squad five years ago.

Launched in April 2016, HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) has been pursuing the suspected proceeds of crime using enforcement powers, both criminal and civil, to disrupt the movement of cash and assets.

More than 1,200 seizures of cash and assets have been made while on operational duty since 2016, HMRC has confirmed. These include gold bars worth £750,000 from a passenger at Manchester Airport and £48,000 found in a freezer drawer, hidden among chicken nuggets at a house in Blackpool.

The formation of FIS in 2016 brought together HMRC’s criminal and civil investigators, in a partnership that has allowed HMRC’s investigators to unlock more complex financial crime cases. Last year alone, figures show that HMRC recouped more than £218m from proceeds of crime, with criminal cash seized by HMRC officers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

HMRC’s director of FIS, Simon York, said: “To reach this £1bn milestone in five years speaks volumes to the dedication, hard work and skill of FIS to recover the proceeds of crime from those who try to cheat the system.

“Whether it’s cash seizures, confiscation orders or account freezing orders, recovering these assets stops criminals bankrolling their lavish lifestyles and funding further crimes that harm our communities, such as drugs, guns and human trafficking. Crucially, this money goes back into the public purse, helping fund our vital services such as schools and hospitals.

“We are committed to recovering criminal assets and today the message is clear – crime doesn’t pay.”

Share Story: