GLASGOW, Scotland — Malcolm Macaskill, 65, a former Conservative Party branch treasurer, has been exposed for orchestrating a £1 million VAT fraud and money laundering operation, the court has revealed.
Macaskill, who ran sandwich production companies Bigga Bites and Kwik Snax from Cambuslang, submitted 34 fraudulent VAT returns, inflating his business sales to claim £864,971.72 from HMRC. In addition, he falsely claimed an NHS contract to receive £88,543 in 2008.
Further investigation revealed that Macaskill laundered over £200,000 through accounts linked to local Conservative party groups in Rutherglen, Cambuslang, and Glasgow, where he held significant roles, including treasurer and deputy chairman. He funneled the ill-gotten funds into the bank accounts of the Rutherglen and Cambuslang Conservative Association and the Glasgow Conservative Campaign Forum. Notably, 11 cheques totaling £8,617 were issued to Kwik Snax from the former, and 52 cheques amounting to £193,790 came from the latter. Additionally, two cheques worth £6,300 were issued directly to Macaskill.
Macaskill, who was also an ex-district court judge, faced charges including involvement in a fraudulent VAT scheme and receiving criminal property. However, he was deemed unfit to stand trial due to a brain tumor, leading to an examination of facts hearing without a jury at Glasgow Sheriff Court. Sheriff Paul Reid concluded that the evidence against Macaskill was “established,” although Macaskill did not attend most of the proceedings, remaining at home.
The case, which involves fraudulent activities between February 2003 and March 2014, has been adjourned until later this year.
Macaskill’s political career took a hit in 2012 when he was removed from the position of Holyrood election candidate, an event that reportedly led to an out-of-court settlement with the Scottish Conservatives. His removal paved the way for future leader Ruth Davidson’s rise to parliament. Macaskill later criticized the Scottish Conservatives, calling them “inept and morally corrupt.”
