14 people have been arrested in a suspected 78 million pound landfill tax fraud investigation.

It followed early morning raids across the North East and Yorkshire as part of an investigation involving around 180 officers from HM Revenue and Customs.

HMRC, supported by the Environment Agency and local police forces, searched 6 commercial and 8 residential addresses in Gateshead, Washington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Leeds and Hull early this morning.

It is the culmination of 18 months of investigations into the suspected systematic abuse of the landfill tax system.

HMRC believe millions of pounds in revenue, that could've been used to fund some of the UK's most vital public services, may be involved.

Simon York, Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, says:

“Today’s activities are the culmination of 18 months' painstaking investigation into the suspected systematic abuse of the landfill tax system.

“We believe that over £78 million revenue may be involved, money which could be used to fund some of the UK's most vital public services.

“No one is above paying their fair and legal share of tax, as the rest of us do, and we are closing in on those who try to cheat the system.

"HMRC, working with our law enforcement partners, will do everything within our power to catch those involved in tax fraud of any kind, and will push for the strongest punishments through the court.

“Anyone with information about suspected landfill tax fraud or other types of fraud can call the Tax Evasion Hotline on .”

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency says:

“The Environment Agency is supporting HMRC in a major operation at locations across Yorkshire and the North East.

“We are working closely with our partner organisations to help stamp out landfill tax evasion.”