HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is appealing for the public’s help to identify four men

Friday, 12 July 2019 16:21

HMRC want to speak with four men after 1.7 million illicit cigarettes discovered

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is appealing for the public’s help to identify four men they want to talk to, who may have information to help with enquiries in connection with illicit tobacco found in Bradford.

Officers discovered 1.7 million cigarettes and 86 kilos of hand-rolling tobacco at a self-storage site near the city centre on Wednesday 18 January 2019. The goods worth an estimated £534,592 in unpaid duty, were found in three storage containers.

Three men attended the storage facility the next day and enquired about the units where the cigarettes were discovered. Another man is believed to have arranged to rent one of the units.

HMRC officers believe these men may have information that can assist with the investigation and would encourage them to come forward. HMRC also asks anyone who recognises the men, or knows of their whereabouts, to call 0800 788 887 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and quote reference 54014.

Eden Noblett, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said:

“We want to create a level playing field for legitimate traders who play by the rules and we’re doing that by cracking down on the annual £1.8 billion trade in illicit cigarettes. What’s more, criminal activity of this kind often goes far beyond just tobacco smuggling, into drugs, violent crime and money laundering, creating a very real danger to local communities.

“We also ask the public if they have information about the sale, smuggling, storage or distribution of illicit tobacco, to report it to HMRC online or call the Fraud Hotline.”

More from Local and National News

City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.
Leeds City Council to launch review on taxi vehicle condition standards

Leeds City Council’s Licensing Committee is to embark on a review of vehicle condition standards for hackney and private hire vehicles, following updates to national guidance.
Man Named After Fatal Road Traffic Collision, Leeds Road, Bradford

Police have named the man who died after a road traffic collision on Leeds Road in Bradford last week.
Over £4,000 raised for Mental Health Charity in Bradford

Visitors to the stunning Van Gogh Alive UK exhibition in Bradford donated more than £4,000 to Mind in Bradford.
Bradford Clean Air Zone and the results of traffic flow monitoring

The Bradford Clean Air Zone has been live since September 2022 and is operating to improve air quality in the district by deterring the most polluting vehicles from entering the zone.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.