News
Largest ever laundering plant dismantled in cross border raids
Date Posted: Thursday 03 December 2009
Largest ever laundering plant dismantled in cross border raids
The largest fuel laundering plant ever uncovered in Northern Ireland, capable of producing up to six and a half million litres of illicit fuel a year, has been raided in a multi-agency cross border operation this morning (Tuesday).
The diesel laundering plant, which had the potential to evade almost £3.2 million of revenue every year was dismantled after HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), in a joint operation with the Revenue's Customs Service, the Police Service of Northern Ireland and An Garda Siochana, raided rural premises in Counties Armagh and Louth.
HMRC searched a large shed in Co Armagh where around 25,000 thousand litres of illicit fuel, four large storage tanks and associated equipment were seized. Almost 1000 litres of acid and a quantity of acid waste, the by-product from the laundering process, was removed.
In co-ordinated activity in Co Louth, Customs officers detained a 40" cattle truck with a concealed tank, along with a number of other vehicles.
John Whiting, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, for HMRC in Northern Ireland said:
"HMRC takes the dangerous and illegal practice of laundering fuel very seriously. People need to be aware of the environmental and safety issues surrounding the laundering of fuel, which is often done in rural locations. Indiscriminate dumping of the by-products from the laundering process can cause severe damage to arable land and our water systems, as well as taxpayers and local ratepayers having to pay for the clean up and disposal costs".
"We are working together in partnership with our colleagues on both sides of the border, through the Cross Border Fuel Fraud Group, to stop the damage to our local businesses and environment. The illegal activity uncovered today clearly shows the total disregard for the economic and environmental well being of our communities with personal profit the sole motivation."
Ursula O' Neill, Assistant Principal, Customs Investigations, for the Revenue Commissioners said:
"This operation illustrates a prime example of cross border multi agency co-operation in the fight against organised crime. The particular location of the laundering plant suggests that the laundered oil was for distribution on both sides of the border, resulting in losses to both the UK and Republic of Ireland exchequers".
Notes to editors
- Laundered fuel is red (or green) diesel, which has been filtered through chemicals or acids to remove the government marker. The chemicals and acids remain in the fuel and damage fuel pumps in diesel cars.
- Red diesel is marked gas oil or a rebated fuel for use in agricultural machinery and not for use in road vehicles. Green diesel is the Republic of Ireland equivalent of the UK's red diesel.
- Laundered fuel is being sold at a reduced price, and motorists may think they are getting a bargain because it is cheaper, but I would caution them to think again as this type of fuel can cause damage to your vehicle. That is why I would urge members of the public to contact our free telephone hotline 0800 59 5000 and let us know of any fuel misuse or suspicious activities.
Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office
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Name: Avril Clydesdale
Tel: 028 9056 2718
Mob: 07720 074 218
Email: avril.clydesdale@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
or
Name: Thomas Johnston
Tel: 028 9056 2850
Email: Thomas.b.johnston@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
Out of hours
Tel: 07699 750728
Website www.hmrc.gov.uk
