Massive Fine for Fraudulent Business Couple

A couple who were jailed after fraudulently setting up a Scunthorpe-based business have been ordered to repay over £400,000 in criminal proceeds – or face more prison time.

According to Lincolnshire Police, Stasys Skarbalius and Virginija Skarbaliene set up a Scunthorpe-based business called CV Staff Services, using fake identities. They then applied for licences from the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) and mortgages to build a property portfolio.

Police say that the scam was operational between 2006 and 2010, and that during this time they facilitated hundreds of people into work in the agricultural and horticultural industries across the east of England.

It is estimated the business had a turnover of around £12 million, which the couple used to fund lavish lifestyles. The scam was exposed in 2011 when Skarbalius' bogus Dutch passport expired and he was unable to renew it.

DC Grant Bailey, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Regional Asset Recovery Team, said:

"Skarbalius and Skarbaliene enjoyed a lifestyle of big houses, lavish holidays and access to substantial amounts of cash thanks to their lucrative business, which had its origins steeped in lies.

"It's hard to reconcile the stark contrast to their agency workers, who earned just above the minimum wage and undertook honest days of manual labour at farms across Lincolnshire and the Humber to get by in this world."

If you are facing an allegation of fraud, speak to our team today for specialist legal advice. Call us in complete confidence on 0845 606 6652 to discuss your circumstances.

GV Hale & Co

Fraud Solicitors