say HMRC
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Public warned of car boot criminals this Easter.
Local people are being warned by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to be on the look out for traders selling counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes as the car boot season gets underway this Easter.
Low cost tobacco products can often seem like an attractive offer to local people, lured into purchasing them at what seem like bargain prices. However, the truth is these sales are unlicensed and unregulated. Those involved are not concerned if they are selling to children and underage young people. In addition, with expertly crafted packaging it is almost impossible to spot whether the cigarettes are counterfeit. Like any other counterfeit product, individuals don't know exactly what they are buying.
Bob Gaiger, Spokesman for HMRC said:
"With an estimated £2 billion in revenue being drained from the public purse each year by tobacco smugglers alone, the problem of excise fraud is a real one, which we are determined to crack."
"This is not an innocent or victimless crime but one that encourages otherwise honest people to trade with criminals. We have active and effective teams of officers operating across the South East to disrupt this illicit trade which has a devastating impact on legitimate retailers having to compete against these black market traders. The gangs behind this form of criminality reap huge profits from cigarette sales which are ploughed straight back into the criminal underworld, feeding activities like drug dealing and fraud."
He added: "We are keen to work closely with local people and communities in the fight against this type of crime. We would encourage anyone who knows of someone selling cheap or duty free cigarettes and tobacco at car boot sales and markets or from their house or place of work to contact the Customs hotline on 0800 59 5000 or email
customs.hotline@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk "
illicit dealer....