Eight members of a criminal group that siphoned millions in unpaid taxes, including four from Kent, have been sentenced after orchestrating a complex fraud involving fake labour supply companies. The scheme allowed them to retain VAT and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deductions owed to HMRC, resulting in losses estimated at £22 million.
Robert Hayward, 56, from Witham, Essex, directed several scaffolding and construction companies. He routed company payroll through these fake companies, paying subcontractors while keeping the VAT and CIS payments for himself. Hayward reportedly received £2.8 million in illicit profits.
Danny Kaufman, 54, of West Kingsdown, served as contracts manager and introduced the fake payroll companies, earning £400,000 in cash bonuses. Gary Peck, 44, of Chatham, and Stuart Peck, 42, of Rochester, also facilitated the scheme through their respective companies, pocketing £338,000 and £128,000.
Others involved included William Chadwick, 27, found with £40,000 destined for company directors; Louise Roman, 58, who managed account transfers for Hayward; Sam Montague, 41, and Mark Jennings, 44, all complicit in moving or acquiring criminal property.
During hearings at Southwark Crown Court on October 8–9, 2024:
Robert Hayward: 6½ years, 10-year director disqualification
Danny Kaufman: 5 years, 10-year director disqualification
Gary Peck: 4 years, 6-year director disqualification
Stuart Peck: 2½ years, 6-year director disqualification
On October 24, 2025:
William Chadwick: 18 months suspended (24 months)
Louise Roman: 24 months suspended (24 months)
Sam Montague: 30 months, 6-year director disqualification
Mark Jennings: 24 months suspended (24 months), 6-year director disqualification
Detective Constable Dameon Shaw of Kent Police said the sentences demonstrate accountability for those who defraud the public, emphasizing that tax fraud affects everyone.
Ian Hackett, HMRC’s operational lead for Fraud Investigation Service, added: “These company directors abused their positions to steal £22 million. Their prison sentences and director disqualifications serve as a warning. Anyone with knowledge of tax fraud should report it to HMRC.”
