Matt Precey
BBC News, Norfolk
Eleven individuals have been arrested across the UK as part of a major investigation into suspected tax relief fraud. The arrests follow coordinated raids by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers, including searches of the Norwich-based businesses Green Jellyfish and Kirby and Haslam.
The raids, carried out on Tuesday, were focused on alleged abuse of the Research and Development (R&D) tax relief system, which is designed to incentivize businesses to invest in science and technology projects.
Although HMRC did not confirm the identities of all businesses involved, sources indicated that the companies Green Jellyfish and Kirby and Haslam were targeted in the operation. Both companies, located within the Union Building on Rose Lane in Norwich, have denied any wrongdoing, with representatives stating that they had “nothing to hide.”
Green Jellyfish is a name used by several companies, one of which, Green Jellyfish Ltd, was formerly registered as “Kirby and Haslam 1” before its name change in 2023. The name of the individual listed as having significant control of Kirby and Haslam is businessman Sotiris Christophi. Attempts to reach Christophi for comment were unsuccessful.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described seeing heavy police presence at the Union Building, with officers blocking access to the premises. One witness reported being stopped by HMRC agents and questioned before being told they could not proceed upstairs. Another eyewitness observed at least ten officers at the building early in the morning, who remained there for the entire day.
HMRC confirmed that the operation was part of an ongoing investigation into suspected misuse of the R&D tax relief system, and that a number of individuals had been invited for interviews under caution. The investigation continues, with more details expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
HMRC is taking a strong stance against those attempting to exploit the R&D tax relief system, and this raid marks the latest effort in tackling fraudulent activity within the UK tax system.
