HMRC has failed to fine a single ‘enabler’ of offshore tax fraud in five years

Tory ministers said new powers introduced in 2017 would allow HMRC to pursue accountants, lawyers and bankers who enable offshore tax evasion. Photograph: georgeclerk/Getty Images/iStockphoto

The UK’s tax authority has not fined a single “enabler” of offshore tax evasion or noncompliance in five years, despite landmark powers to impose huge fines.

Tory ministers claimed new laws introduced in 2017 allowed HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to pursue accountants, lawyers and bankers who facilitate offshore tax evasion would “create a level playing field”, with potential fines of several millions of pounds.