End of the road for lorry driving smuggler

A lorry driver who smuggled more than one million cigarettes into the UK through Dover has been jailed after an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Artur Olszok's lorry was stopped by UK Border Force officers at Dover in July 2014 carrying a load of wood. A search of the vehicle uncovered 2,000 Euros and six boxes containing 1.1 million cigarettes. The duty and VAT evaded on the haul was £275,000.

When questioned by HMRC officers, Olszok claimed an unknown man had promised him 200 Euros to bring six pallets of electronic equipment to the UK. He later admitted having a further 8,000 Euros in his cab but claimed he had earned it legitimately.

Alan Tully, Assistant Director, Criminal Investigation, HMRC, said: "Olszok tried to bring an unregulated supply of cigarettes into the country that would have impacted on legitimate traders and encouraged law-abiding people to invest in criminality. We encourage anyone with information about the illegal sale of cigarettes or tobacco to call the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000."

Olszok admitted the fraudulent evasion of excise duty and was jailed for 20 months at Maidstone Crown Court yesterday. His Honour Judge McDonald said that the plot was planned and an attack on the British tax system.