A probe by A HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) revealed how Butler tried to hide the scam by creating a complex web of businesses operating out of the UK, Spain, Gibraltar and the United States.
Butler allegedly used his ‘ill-gotten wealth’ to purchase a luxury villa in Marbella and several sports cars that include a Ferrari Fiorano FI, a Ferrari 360, Lamborghini Murcielago and a Mercedes SL350. He also owned a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, a speedboat and 96 properties in Leeds.
Eden Noblett of the HMRC Fraud Investigation Service told UK media: “Butler thought he was clever and his scam too sophisticated to be uncovered. But, he was not as clever as he believed.”
“This case should serve as a warning to anyone considering stealing taxpayer’s money”, he said, “No matter how clever and sophisticated you think your fraud is, we will catch you.”
Butler was arrested at Manchester Airport after stepping off a flight from Malaga; He has now been found guilty of tax fraud and must serve nine years in prison.
