A Security Industry Authority-led multi-agency operation checking security licensing and tax evasion took place over two weekends in May [2 and 30].
With the support of HM Revenue and Customs and the Metropolitan Police, investigators from the SIA conducted checks on door supervisors and security guards working in London and Manchester.
The team was assembled after the SIA submitted intelligence to HMRC on companies and venues with doubtful employment statuses for their staff; a suspected tactic to evade the payment of tax.
Over the first weekend the operation focussed on door supervisors working in licensed premises including pubs and clubs. On the final weekend of the month, the focus changed to security guards working in retail venues in shopping centres across the two cities.
In total, 180 security operatives were checked across 67 venues. Of those checked a door supervisor in Stockport was found working with another person’s photocopied SIA licence. Enquiries are being taken forward by the police.
A further five warning were issued to individuals for failing to notify the SIA of a change of their address; a breach of SIA licensing conditions.
HMRC investigations are ongoing.
SIA Director of Partnerships and Interventions, Dave Humphries, said: “It is encouraging that the SIA, the police and HMRC are working together to tackle crime.
“This gives a clear message that non-compliance with the law, be it requirements of SIA licence regulation or tax evasion, will not be tolerated within the private security industry”.
Andrew Odin, HMRC’s Specialist Investigations said: “We work with other government departments and agencies to crack down on those who don’t want to pay what they should.
“Our message is clear – if you seek to evade tax or defraud the tax system, HMRC can and will track you down. You will face not only a heavy fine, but possibly a criminal prosecution as well.”