HMRC gears up for an increase in criminal investigations

In the Spring Statement, Rachel Reeves announced that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) would be tasked with increasing the number of decisions to prosecute tax fraudsters by 20% at the end of 2029/30.  This would mean an additional 100 cases based on the 2023/24 year. HMRC is responsible for undertaking criminal investigations to gather the necessary evidence, which it then passes over to the relevant prosecuting authority to make the decision on whether the case can go forward for prosecution.  What does this mean for HMRC? Most basically, HMRC will have to significantly increase the nu...