eBay trader's tax fraud shame

Kamran Saghir’s eBay firm raked in £43,000 profit over three years, with a turnover of more than £200,000.

Suspicious HMRC investigators became involved and found he had neglected to pay £10,771 in income tax and national insurance.

When confronted, the 38-year-old, of Neapsands Close, Fulwood, admitted being knowingly concerned the fraudulent evasion of income tax at Preston Crown Court and failing to pay a contributions.

Prosecuting, Jamie Baxter said the loss to the treasury, over a period between April 2011 and June 2014, was £10,1771 He said: “In addition to the defendant’s employment with Royal Mail - it became apparent to HMRC that he may also be operating an online eBay business, called GOONIES1946, which involved the sale of a range of products to consumers including hair products, makeup and suchlike. Throughout the indictment period the business made a total of 5,794 sales resulting in a gross turnover of £209,490.” In an interview Sagir said it was a hobby he became obsessed with.

Judge Sara Dodd, suspending a five month sentence for 12 months, said: “Figures you made were remarkable, in excess of £40,000. To your credit as it shows you have business accumen however you have a duty to pay your taxes.”

It is understood Saghir, who had worked for Royal Mail for around 20 years, was made redundant some time ago.