Criminal undieworld

VAT fraud and bogus gear gang leader told to hand over £90m

- BY BILLY GADDI

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, Lancashire, and his criminal gang tried to steal £97million through VAT repayment claims on false exports of textiles and mobile phones.

They also imported and sold counterfeit clothes that would have been worth £50million if genuine.

The proceeds funded a property empire, including commercial and residential premises in Preston and London, bought via offshore bank accounts and firms.

He also owned property in Morocco, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.