Fraudster forced to hand over properties

Thomas William Smyth is alleged to have obtained 19 houses through mortgage fraud, tax evasion and money laundering.

The 38-year-old fraudulently purchased properties for the buy-to-let market.

SOCA identified that between 2000 and 2007, Smyth made numerous self-certification mortgage applications to a variety of financial institutions in order to gain almost £2m in loans to buy property.

Andy Lewis, head of tax and civil recovery, said: “Thomas Smyth deliberately abused the system for his personal gain.

"This is a tough lesson but if you prop up your lifestyle through illicit profits Soca will ensure you hand them back.”