Fresh move to target fraudsters

[Sally Toms]

The Scotch Whisky Association and the British Revenue & Customs have joined forces by signing a landmark co-operation agreement to tackle spirits fraud.

Whisky fraud costs the industry – and therefore whisky drinkers – millions of pounds every year. It damages the interests of distillers and undermines government revenue. Under the new ‘Memorandum of Understanding,’ SWA members and HMRC have formally undertaken to cooperate in a number of ways and pool crucial information.

Gavin Hewitt, SWA chief executive commented:
“Targeted action on the areas of highest risk is already having an impact. All the figures show that spirits fraud is on a downward trend.

“Today’s agreement will cement action to maintain that trend. The legitimate industry has a unique understanding of the supply chain and we want to share our expertise with HMRC to better target efforts to tackle spirits fraud.”