The fugitive fraudster who stole from you

The Government’s anti-corruption champion Dame Margaret Hodge has accused one of the UK’s most prolific tax fraudsters of “abusing the justice system”. Arif Patel, originally from Preston but now on the run in Dubai, led a gang running an elaborate carousel fraud operation, stealing tens of millions of pounds. It worked by using using sham companies to move goods in and out of the country to generate false VAT refunds.

In 2023, he was convicted in his absence of tax fraud, money-laundering, false accounting and selling counterfeit goods. Last year a judge ordered Patel to repay £90.5m he’d gained through criminal activity. He is challenging that at the Court of Appeal, despite being on the run.

Criminals defrauding the tax system costs the UK billions of pounds in lost revenue each year.

File on 4 Investigates hears how those who investigated him are frustrated that he's still evading justice.

Presented by Ben Robinson

Producer: Alys Harte

Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards

Editor: Tara McDermott

Junior Production Manager: Tom Dunster

Production Management Assistant: Tim Fernley

Image Credit: HMRC Handout.