Police investigate Stowmarket accountants amid fraud allegations
Police are looking into Apostle Accounting after customers were investigated by HMRC
Last updated 27th Apr 2023
An investigation has been launched into alleged fraud at a Stowmarket accountancy firm after customers were investigated and fined by HMRC.
Apostle Accounting offered a service allowing customers to claim expenses for work costs.
However it's now alleged claims submitted by Apostle to HMRC were innacurate.
This led to customers being told by the taxman to repay rebates on their taxes which they were ineligible for.
In a letter to HMRC, Bury St Edmunds MP Jo Churchill wrote: "customers report that, despite multiple requests to Apostle Accounting, clarification on what was claimed on their behalf has not been provided."
"...it has proved impossible to communicate with the company."
Ipswich MP Tom Hunt and Central Suffolk MP Dr Dan Poulter are among other local politicians to have written to the taxman outlining their concerns about Apostle.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Suffolk Constabulary said: "Suffolk Police have been made aware of a large number of allegations of fraud involving a business in Stowmarket."
"An investigation is now underway, and officers are liaising with HMRC and other agencies.
"Anyone who believes they may have been defrauded should contact Action Fraud in the first instance."
In a statement issued via its lawyers, Apostle denies any wrongdoing.
"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" it said.
"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 (or a misinterpretation thereof).
"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."
HMRC says its can't comment on individual cases.