Police raids carried out amid investigation in Suffolk accountants
Four properties have been searched in connection with the investigation in Apostle Accounting
Police have carried out a series of raids as part of an investigation into allegations of fraud at a Suffolk accountancy firm.
As we previously reported, hundreds of former clients of Stowmarket's Apostle Accounting have faced bills from HMRC after trusting the company to claim tax rebates on their behalf.
In May last year it emerged the East Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), a special police squad focus on organised crime, was probing allegations made against the firm.
On Tuesday (May 14) four properties were searched, including two homes and an office in Stowmarket and an office in Peterborough.
Documents and digital devices were seized and will face 'further examination', according to police.
No arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.
ERSOU says it has been in contact with 'around 300' potential victims, but is continuing to urge anyone who feels they have been impacted to come forward.
Al Al-Bassam, from ERSOU’s Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “These searches form part of our investigation into reports of potential fraud, and we continue to follow several lines of enquiry.
“Our teams are working closely with partner agencies to establish if any offences have been committed, and we would encourage anyone who thinks they may be a victim of fraud to report it.”
Apostle has consistently denied any wrongdoing and the firm has since shut down.
What is Apostle alleged to have done?
Apostle Accounting, based in a small office in central Stowmarket, previously offered a service where customers could get a rebate from HMRC through claiming for work expenses.
It would charge a fee of roughly 20%, plus interest, for its work.
However, hundreds of former Apostle clients have since received letters from HMRC telling them to repay money claimed by the firm.
Figures previously seen by Greatest Hits Radio showed over 730 people have come forward saying they used Apostle's services, with around half receiving demand for repayment.
Victims we spoke to last year reported receiving bills of between £4,000 and £22,500.
What has Apostle said?
In a statement released last year this year, the company said:
"HMRC has previously conducted standard compliance checks of the practices of Apostle including in respect of (the expenses service) – there has been no finding of wrongdoing."
"HMRC has.... unilaterally made a decision to revisit rebate returns from former clients of Apostle, including claims made as long ago as 2016.
It added: "Apostle in no way accepts the allegations against it or liability for payments HMRC may be seeking from former clients."
"Working closely with its solicitors, and external independent advisors, Apostle will be submitting a thorough submission to HMRC explaining why it believes there has been an incorrect application by HMRC officers of its own rules/guidance.
"For the avoidance of doubt, it strongly contests allegations, if any, of non-compliance issues and/or fraudulent tax claims and is entirely confident that it will demonstrate its compliance with the applicable rules and regulations and will continue to liaise with HMRC.
"Apostle has and always aims to act in a transparent manner and with the utmost good faith at all times."
We have approached representatives of Apostle for a fresh statement.