Romanian men arrested by HMRC over alleged £153m tax fraud plot (Image: Getty)
Two Romanian men have been arrested by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) over an alleged £153 million tax fraud scheme, which investigators say used TikTok to obtain taxpayers’ personal details. The suspects, aged 22 and 25, were detained by HMRC cybercrime officers in east London after authorities blocked what they described as £153 million of suspected fraudulent tax repayment claims.
According to HMRC, the men are accused of using the social media platform to persuade UK taxpayers to hand over access to their tax accounts in exchange for promises of financial rewards. The pair, both Romanian nationals, were arrested at addresses in Newham on April 23 and have since been released on bail while enquiries continue.
Two men have been arrested by HMRC (Image: Getty)
Investigators believe the scheme involved obtaining personal tax information from social media users and then using those details to submit fraudulent claims to HMRC.
The two men were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, encouraging or assisting criminal offences, unauthorised access to computer material with intent, and money laundering offences.
HMRC warned that criminals are increasingly using social media platforms to target members of the public with offers of “risk-free” money in return for sharing personal information.
Officials said victims could find themselves facing serious consequences, including identity theft, frozen bank accounts, and demands to repay money fraudulently claimed in their name. In some circumstances, individuals could also face prosecution.
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The fraudsters allegedly made use of apps including TikTok (Image: Getty)
Simon Grunwell, head of cybercrime investigations at HMRC’s fraud investigation service, said: “You should protect your personal tax details in the same way you protect your bank details. Claims of quick, risk-free cash in return for sharing your personal information are a scam. They aim to defraud you and the taxpayer.”
He added: “Anyone who comes across adverts on social media or is approached in any way with promises of easy money through their tax credentials should think twice and report it on GOV.UK.”
HMRC said fraudsters often conceal their identities by using the details of other people to submit repayment claims.
As a result, the taxpayer whose information has been used may ultimately be left owing money to the tax authority.
The department said it has identified similar suspected scams across several social media platforms, including Instagram and Snapchat, where users are allegedly approached through posts and direct messages.
Officials stressed that HMRC will never use social media to offer tax rebates or request personal, banking or payment information.
The tax authority said it could not provide further details because the investigation remains ongoing, but urged anyone who encounters suspicious HMRC-related social media accounts or messages to report them.
Anyone with information about suspected tax fraud has also been encouraged to contact HMRC through its reporting channels.