Fraudster falsely claimed �328,000 under rebate

Police have launched a hunt for a fraudster who cheated the taxman out of �328,000 in a VAT scam after he failed to turn up to be sentenced.

Sahil Jain, of Devalls Close, Beckton, tricked officials into believing he was eligible for a rebate for his businesses, which sold computer equipment and children’s clothing.

He carried out the fraud between May 2010 and April last year, falsely claiming �328,090.81 in all.

The 30-year-old had been facing a jail term but failed to attend court to be sentenced at the Old Bailey.

Imran Khan, defending, said his wife had woken early in the morning to find him ironing his trousers and shirt, claiming he was going to court.

“She informs me he was terrified of today’s outcome,” he said.

“He has a fragile state of mind and has suicidal ideations that come and go.

“It may be he has done something silly, to put it in the vernacular.”

Issuing an arrest warrant, Judge Paul Worsely QC said: “It seems essential that he is found, particularly if he is in a fragile state of mind.

“The sooner he is arrested and held in custody, the better.”

Jain previously admitted three counts of fraud by false representation.