Fugitive money launderer extradited in joint operation

A convicted money launderer, who fled overseas in 2012, has been extradited to the UK where he will now begin a 6 year prison sentence, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced.

Darren John Bagnall is subject to a £1.6 million confiscation order, relating to a 2007 conviction for money laundering. In November 2012, Bagnall fled to Dubai telling magistrates that it was to realise assets to settle the order. He failed to return and told the Court that he was too unwell to travel.

In April 2015, on the application of the Crown Prosecution Service, the Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court activated a 6 year default sentence owing to Bagnall's failure to pay, and a European Arrest Warrant was issued.

In July 2015, Bagnall was arrested by Cypriot police officers in Nicosia, Cyprus, under the authority of the warrant. Following Court Proceedings in Cyprus, Bagnall was extradited to the UK, on 13 October 2015, to begin his sentence.

Kevin Newe, Assistant Director, HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service, London and South region, said:- "Bagnall's extradition demonstrates our determination to use all legal means to ensure that those who abscond for not paying what they owe are brought to justice, no matter where they try to hide. In this case, it takes on greater importance given that, with interest, Bagnall still owes some £2.2 million, which we are determined to make him pay."

Gary Balch, Deputy Head of Crown Prosecution Service's Proceeds of Crime, said:- "This case underscores the Crown Prosecution Service's determination to ensure that those who are subject to confiscation orders pay them in full or face the consequences. If a defendant refuses to pay, or tries to avoid paying, they will be found and locked up while we continue to track down their ill gotten gains."

HMRC publishes details of the Most Wanted Tax Fugitives online. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of these people should contact the HMRC Tax Evasion Hotline, on:- 0800 788 887.

Appeal following a serious vehicle collision in Bootle

MERSEYSIDE Police are appealing for witnesses following a 2 vehicle road collision in Bootle, Sefton, in which a pensioner sustained a serious neck injury. The collision, is reported to have involved a black BMW and a black Kia Sportage. It occurred at around 5.20pm, on Saturday, 10 October 2015, at the Junction of Harris Drive and Orrell Road. The collision is said to have resulted in the BMW flipping onto its roof and coming to rest on the kerb outside a row of shops. The Kia driver stopped at the scene and the driver is assisting Police with their enquiries. The driver of the BMW sustained minor injuries, but the 66 year old, female passenger, sustained a serious neck injury. Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to call Merseyside Police on:- 0151 777 5716 or 0151 777 5721 or the confidential Crimestoppers line, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.

Witness appeal after passenger racially abused on Wigan North Western

THE British Transport Police are appealing to the public to help them identify a man they wish to speak to about a hate crime incident on board a train from Warrington Bank Quay to Preston on Friday, 4 September 2015. Investigating officer PC Adam Heslop said:- "The victim, a 34 year old Asian man, boarded the Virgin service at Warrington and stood in the vestibule area. Another younger man was already standing in the same area with a female companion. At Wigan, 2 older men barged onto the service and entered into a racist conversation with the man and woman before one of the older men began directing abusive, racist comments at the victim." The victim left the train at Preston. The 2 older men left the service at Lancaster. Officers believe the man in the images could have vital information about what happened and urge him or anyone who recognises him to come forward to assist officers with their enquiries. Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on, or text:- 61016, quoting reference:- PSUB/B6 of 14/10/2015. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on:- 0800 555 111.