Ardboe illegal fuel plant capable of producing 1million litres a year

HMRC officers, accompanied by the Police Service of Northern Ireland searched private premises in the Ardboe area, where the laundering plant capable of producing over one million litres of illicit fuel a year, evading over £700,000 in lost duty and taxes was uncovered in a shed.

A transit van and nearly four tonnes of toxic waste – the by-product of the laundering process – were removed from the site.

Mike Parkinson, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said:

“Every illegal laundering operation typically generates tonnes of toxic waste, leading to significant safety and environmental issues. As taxpayers and local ratepayers, not only are we missing out on the stolen tax that ends up the pockets of the criminals, we are also paying the substantial clean-up and disposal costs.

“Buying illicit fuel funds crime and supports and encourages these dangerous activities. I would urge anyone with information on fuel misuse in their area to contact our free telephone hotline on 0800 59 5000 and contribute to the fight against this criminality.”

The man is currently being interviewed by HMRC. Investigations are on-going.