International group set up to tackle tax evasion enablers

HMRC has joined forces with enforcement bodies in Australia Canada the Netherlands and the United States to tackle international tax crime and money laundering.

The group called joint chiefs of global tax enforcement (J5) will share intelligence and expertise and run joint operations to catch those who make a living out of enabling tax crime.

At its first meeting the J5 brought together leading experts in countering tax and other financial crimes from each member country. They developed tactical plans and identified opportunities to pursue cyber criminals and enablers of international tax crime.

HMRC fraud investigation service director Simon York said: ‘Tax crime and money laundering are becoming increasingly global and sophisticated so it’s crucial we continue to work with international partners to tackle these threats.’

The J5 was formed in response to a call to action from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation...