The mastermind of a criminal empire whose gang was caught by Scots cops has been ordered to pay back over £90million. ‌

Arif Patel, 57, of Preston, and his criminal gang tried to steal £97 million through VAT repayment claims on false exports of textiles and mobile phones. Alongside this, the crime crew also imported and sold counterfeit clothes that would have been worth at least £50 million, had they been genuine. ‌

The proceeds of the crimes funded a property empire , including commercial and residential premises in Preston and London, purchased through offshore bank accounts and companies. He also owned property in Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. ‌

Patel's gang was caught by Scots cops in August 2005 on the A74 at Ecclefechan in Dumfries and Gal

See Full Page