'Fake address' fraudster nabbed with illegal tobacco haul in Ocean Road police stop

Police had stopped George Krager's car on Ocean Road, South Shields, South Tyneside, in May last year and found non-duty paid packs in the vehicle. Officers informed him they would then search his home and he gave them a fake address before they quickly found the correct one - and more contraband. Newcastle Crown Court heard the stash of cigarettes in the vehicle and house was liable to have over £42,000 duty paid. Krager, 67, of Acklam Street, Sunderland, admitted storage and sale of non-duty paid cigarettes and tobacco with intent to defraud customs and excise. Christopher Knox, defending, said Krager had been "put under pressure" to hold onto the illegal goods and has significant health problems. Mr Recorder David Gordon said Krager was dealing in goods which pose an "obvious health risk" but accepted he has major medical problems. Krager was sentenced to 15 months, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation requirements and the recorder ordered that the illegal cigarettes and tobacco are to be destroyed.

Lynsey Thompson, Operational Lead, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC said: “Cheap cigarettes come at a cost as they steal money from our public services and often fund organised crime and other illegal activity that causes real harm to our communities.

“We are determined to stamp out tobacco fraud by working closely with our partners in the UK and internationally to bring those responsible to justice. We are grateful to Northumbria Police who supported us in this particular case. “We urge anyone with information about the sale, storage or smuggling of illicit cigarettes or tobacco to contact HMRC online.”