Four released in smuggling inquiry

Four people charged as part of an investigation into cross-border fuel smuggling were released on police bail today.

Four people charged as part of an investigation into cross-border fuel smuggling were released on police bail today.

The three men and a woman were detained last night in Co Tyrone following an operation involving police and customs officers on both sides of the Border.

They were arrested after raids on homes and commercial premises in Omagh, Co Tyrone; Derrylin, Co Fermanagh and Ballyconnell, Co Cavan.

Around 18,000 litres of kerosene (home heating oil), 8,500 litres of green diesel and a tanker were seized in the operation. Around stg£20,000 in cash was also seized under the UK's Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

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Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) said today that the investigation into the smuggling of home heating oil across the Border from the North was ongoing.

The HMRC's John Whiting said the investigation related to a "complex Vat fraud" leading to the loss of up to £250,000 in exchequer revenue.