Cigarette crime could land companies £5,000 fine (From Evesham Journal)

Cigarette crime could land companies £5,000 fine

9:10am Saturday 13th June 2009 in

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WEST Midlands employers are being urged to be on guard against a minority of employees who may be selling illicit cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco to co-workers.

The warning comes as HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers continue with efforts to stamp out tobacco smuggling, which sees around £3 billion in revenue drained from the public purse each year.

Companies could face fines of up to £5,000, along with damage to their businesses reputation, if they allow their premises to be used for illegal tobacco trading or fail to take steps to guard against it, HMRC warns.

Individuals with information relating to illegally imported goods or tax evasion and fraud are encouraged to contact the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000, or e-mail customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk.