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An organised crime boss has failed to pay a penny of the £3.26million he was ordered to hand over seven years ago, the Evening Standard reveals today.
Lawyers say the case is making a mockery of British justice and sends a message to other "Mr Bigs" that they can flout court rulings.
Raymond May, 53, was alleged in evidence cited in a Court of Appeal ruling to be a "massive" cocaine importer suspected of involvement in several murders. He was ordered to hand over his criminal profits in 2002 after being convicted for his part in a £12million VAT fraud.
Since then he has refused to hand over any cash despite owning a 20-room house in Bromley valued at £2.5million which has an underground swimming pool. He also has a £175,000 yacht and four other properties, including one worth £255,000 for his mistress in Dulwich.
May, who describes himself as a gardener and odd-jobman, has received at least £411,000 in legal aid to fund a string of unsuccessful appeals.
The total cost to the taxpayer is thought to run to several million pounds once court costs and receivers' fees are taken into account.
Lawyers involved in the case say it is calling into question the effectiveness of the Government's drive to hit major criminals in their pockets. The case has raised serious concerns about the performance of the Government's Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office. It has failed to enforce a default penalty imposed after May's conviction, which could send him to jail for six years for non-payment, and is accused by some connected to the case of incompetence and bureaucratic mismanagement.
May was convicted at the Old Bailey in September 2001 after the court heard how he and his fellow defendants had defrauded HM Revenue and Customs in an international VAT racket involving computer processing chips.
Further allegations about May's background as a “professional criminal” who had built a “criminal empire” involving armed robbery, drug importation and money laundering was presented to the judge. May, who has not faced charges on these allegations, was sentenced to four years for the VAT fraud and given the £3.26 million confiscation order.
The then Treasury minister John Healey said “a sophisticated international fraud organisation” had been dismantled and claimed that May and his accomplices, who had all enjoyed “wealthy lifestyles with big houses and luxury cars”, would now be hit in their pockets where “it hurts the most”.
Read about Raymond May's lavish and chilling lifestyle in full
The only money paid back is £150,000 obtained from a “third party”, plus £5,000 obtained by similar means via court receivers. May himself has paid nothing and continues to dispute the ownership of many of his assets.
Officials today blamed the failure to seize May's assets on the complexity of the case.
But Oliver Sells, QC, who led the original prosecution, said: “It is a signal failure that so little has yet been recovered from a confiscation order which has been upheld by the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords.
“It is obviously in the public interest that orders should be enforced in good time because failure to do so will risk conveying to convicted criminals the message that protracted delay will diminish the prospect of recovery and that in turn may weaken the effectiveness of the law in other cases.”
Another lawyer involved in the case added: “Ray May must be laughing his socks off. This was a great opportunity to set an example to the Mr Bigs of the organised crime world by hitting him hard and quickly.
“Instead he is escaping at every turn and showing that if you string things out for long enough you can avoid paying.”
The Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office said: “The case is very complex and involves many third parties.
“The reason why the case has taken so long is because May has gone through many rounds of appeal which only came to an end in May 2008.”
The spokesman said further proceedings had started in an attempt to seize more of May's assets, but said that these involved “several rounds of litigation” which “will continue for some time”.
Reader views (50)
why should he get away with it we get behind with payments thay are on our backs to get there monies back all gov people .all mps want sacking they are out for themself .take away humand rights lets put the law back to the police let them do the job
- Brian R, london
Jack Straw will get him; so relax everyone ok.
Now Ronnie Biggs is free; he will have the time to start fighting crime again.
Ronnie was his only success so far, and it took the public’s attention away from the corrupt MPs in the House of Commons, and the Lords.
Watch out for a gigantic backlash from Rambo Jack the Giant Killer; crooks are trembling in their shoes already.
- Mickinlondon, london.
Why am I not surprised?
Being unlawful in Blair and Brown's idea of an equal Britain is without question the way to go. After all, how many MP's are guilty of fraudulent conduct?
Talk big, act sly, New Labour doctrine.
- Ken.H, Harrow. UK
I am sure the government at this very moment , are putting in place measures to ensure this situation never occurs.I would also point out , but is he happy ?
- Chris M, morbihan,france
What was it the Blair creature promised? "Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime" Yeah right.
- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire
Let us hope those responsible for bankrupting this guy suffer the sack.
- Michael, Kensington, UK
The Government is strangely quiet, is the nobody there at the moment?
- Colin Macpherson, Gramat France
A charging order(s) on the various properties, arresting his yacht, a receiver appointed to receive the proceeds of the properties and orders for sale.
I do not know whether or not this is allowed under the existing legislation, but should be a part of the legislation, as well as a repayment order and a charge in respect of the legal aid.
If this were done, the criminal can appeal all he wants, but unless he overturned the order, the income remains state property and eventually the sale proceeds as well.
The presiding judge at the criminal trial should have power to impose charging orders as well as the appointment of a receiver and arrest warrants for yacht etc. If the criminal wants to appeal, let him do so on providing security for costs. If the law is not that way stated, then it should be changed so that it is not for the state to prove that they are doing the right thing, but for the criminal to prove that the state is doing the wrong thing.
That should be the result of a conviction where the judge orders confiscation of assets.
- Hugh, Middx
As an ex pat living in Mexico, if anything like that happened here everyone would be talking about corruption. I certainly hope it is not happening in Britain, but one does have to wonder how he is getting away with this. Paying off the lawyers to keep postponing is a form of corruption too, and getting legal aid? Ridiculous
- Cecilia Walters, Ex pat living in Mexico
Another example of the bluff and blunder of Brown's mob
- Richard, london
I seem to recall that last October/November, the Justice Minister Jack Straw announced that he was looking closely at how he could perhaps change some of the Human Rights legislation and interpretation thereof which he felt was unfairly favouring the criminal. His findings were to be announced in March but nothing seems to have happened.Have I missed something?
- Norman Maton, Christchurch, Dorset, England
Come on folks, we all know it pays to be a crook in the UK, we just moan and don't do anything about it. The police aren't allowed to do their jobs anymore thanks to the lefty human rights nonsensical do gooders - well done guys, look what happens.
The police boost their figures by fining the registered taxpayers by way of various hiddeen fines (we all know that), and not dealing with real crimes.
I'm sure in my Dad's day, it used to pay to be a good citizen years ago, now 'you pay' to be a good citizen. There are no rewards for being a law abiding citizen, you just get taxed for the pleasure now... or is that fined? Mind you, if you are a crook, you just don't pay up.
Does anyone have Ray's lawyers number, I feel like robbing the treasury later.
- Richie, London
This could be a wonderful way to get Britain out of debt.
Why has this criminal not been MADE to hand over his money, plus many others like him?
Why does he still have an underground swimming-pool?
Why isn't he penniless and in prison?
Until we can control this kind of criminal, we are nothing.
I absolutely agree with the reader who says "Make him a Labour peer...." Today justice is on the side of the criminal, what a topsy-turvy country!
- Sidney Marks, London, England.
Raymond May MP does have a kind of ring to it. With all those houses and mistresses think of the fun when he submits his expenses. I bet he'd fit right in.
- Paul, Kent
You can bet the person responsible at the Government's Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office will be paid a salary in excess of £100k because "we have to pay market rates for people with these skills" - simple answer they should be shown the door!
Truly shocking!
- Keith K, Bath
It's about time that the courts and the police let the Singapore authorities take over running our legal and police departments. You will see an overnight change.We are a laughing stock with the way criminals of all types get away with everything but the seriousness of our suffering whether though paying for legal aid or with hurt is overwhelming wathing this incompetence on a breathtaking scale.You can routinely predict this is going to be a waste of time with cases like this and others.
Our lot are clearly on the side of human rights for all and our politicians are too frightened to handle this!
- Alan, Surrey
Looks like he has a copper as a minder too, on the state.
- Richard P, Eaton Bishop UK
If you break the speed limit or park without a ticket, the UK authorities will be swift and efficient in collecting your fine.
But, real crimes, crimes that harm people and society enjoy increasing impunity. I know 4 people who have been assaulted in the last 2 - 3 years. The police have done nothing to arrest the perpetrators.
In my neighbourhood I hear people seriously discussing vigilante methods to protect themsleves and their families.
We are drifting into a serious crisis.
- Danny, London
Mr. Bean could have done a better job then these clowns. Criminals reading this will want to employ this guy's lawyer. If a law abiding citizen defaults on their mortgage or credit cards you get black listed for seven years. Who said crime doesn't pay.
- Frank, Copenhagen, Denmark
What's truly very sad is if they had actually collected the fines and prosecuted, I would've been shocked...
I think it may be time to change the name from Great Britain to The Great Isles of Incompetence...
- Andre, london
Don't worry this will be a rare occurrence in the future. As the Home Office are ripping the heart out of the Revenue & Customs Investigation Service the number of such prosecutions will be reduced; as far as politics is concerned a problem that does not make headlines does not exist. Let us not be party political on this, the opposition plans are worse. The only thing that is certain is that the honest tax payer will be paying for the Black Hole in revenue caused by fraud.
- Dennis L, London
If he can get away with it... why not? Afterall, this is the UK - a safe haven for crooked politians, illegal immigrants, hate preachers, terrorists, drink-driving murderers... the list is endless...
I refuse to get angry anymore.
- Sanjay, Hounslow, UK
He's probably a Labour Party benefactor. He'll be given a peerage next year.
- Pete, Leigh on Sea
Why did he qualify for legal aid ?
- British Not Racist, Bracknell England
Tough on crime, Tough on the causes of crime.
Over £400k in legal aid, when he has a substantial property portfolio.
He will probably sue the Government (on legal aid of course) for the damage done to his ribs and sides for causing him to laugh so much.
You could not make it up.
- Steve M, London
I once had a court imposed fine for not paying a train ticket fine. I forgot to pay off the last £20 of the debt and had a warrant out for my arrest that I was not aware of. The first I heard about it all was when the courts wrote a letter to HR at where I work trying to take the money from my income!
Why has this not happened to this guy or had the bailiffs around?
- Serox, London
A Further instance of shambolic Government within our society. Those responsible for Law and Order in this country need sorting out in a big way !
Clearly Crime does pay everyone..... what a great message to send to the human flotsam which forms a small part of our society.
The bigger the crime, the easier the law treats you, or so it seems. Why cannot the property of this man be confiscated ? I am an ordinary guy, I can be fined by my local authority for parking where I should not, no argument. If I don’t pay the bailiffs are sent in ! SO HOW DOES THIS GUY GET AWAY WITH IT ?
While not everything within our Police Forces is perfect, just look at what they have to contend with. A system that provides them nor the public any real support. They bring criminals to book [when the Public Prosecutions Office permits them to] and then the judiciary give them a gentle slap [must not infringe their human rights remember] pat them on the head [gently again !] and send them on their way, after having told them not to do it again ! [Quietly, must not raise the voice to them remember their human rights]. Morale in the Police forces across our Country must be on the floor !
People in this country are sick of, not only of the Mr Biggs getting away with it, but also the petty social scum that prey on the majority of the decent populace. Perhaps one day we will have a system where the guilty are punished in such a way as to stop them harming the innocent. Cri
- Ken Fitzgerald, Maldon
A tortoise could run rings around Straw and Co. Our judges are also bent.
- Never Eat Tuna Again, London
When professional criminals or anyone else, can 'run rings around the law', is it beyond the wit of our legislature to amend these laws?
- Tony H., Cumbernauld Scotland
Short answer - Gordon Brown is a muppet running muppets so yes, its beyond the wits.
- Sally Jones, London
If he refuses to pay up, and our pathetic legal system is unable to do anything about it, then maybe we should be employing him in the banks in charge of bonuses/ payroll. We will save millions of tax payers money.
- Dave, Wiltshire.
Without crime we wouldn't need lawyers. Is that true? And if it, indeed, be true - do not the legal profession (those dealing with criminals) live (indirectly) off the proceeds of crime?
Raymond May is clearly "one of the chaps"; that means major league - very, very difficult to sort.
- Ted, London
Labours simple message to society is that crime pays.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
Jack Straw and New Labour are doing their best in fighting crime in the UK; none of you understand just how much he has achieved.
He has kept Ronnie Biggs from robbing more trains, therefore easing the train time tables, and now most people can get to work on time.
Show a little more respect for Sherlock Straw, and the crazy Labour gang ok.
- Mickinlondon, london.
Revenue and Customs are now entirely useless. They are a pre failed organisation got up by the present shambles of a government. Only yesterday the Customs Officers based at ports and airports were subsumed into the Border Farce. A bunch of Home Office clerical staff who have no understanding of law enforcement and care less Expect the price of Class A drugs to go even lower.
- Jonmac, Sevenoaks
I am a pensioner yet if I dont pay my TV licence I get done. If I dont pay tax on my small works pension I get done. It now seems I am going to have to pay for my so called "free" bus fares. Yet people like this run rings round the government.How did this guy get legal aid? Am I missing something. British justice is a joke.
- Jim, London
Don't fall behind with your Council tax, or fill up your wheely bin to much, or take a photo of your own grand daughter in a public place or you'll be banged up! This Country has seriously lost all its respect, including that from its own indiginous population.
- Sue, Orpington, Kent
Phil, with respect, our legal system has never been the finest in the world, it has just (very cleverly) spun that image based on it's history. Britain has become far too laissez-faire to have any effective legal system -- the one we have today certainly has no connection with any concept of 'justice'; 'Human Rights' (great in theory and their origins), are being misused beyond belief as a cash-cow for lawyers. What little law there is actually being enforced, is only that used as additional taxation against the ordinary person in the street. The Law is an undemocratic monopoly whose only function is to maintain a class based status quo.
- Philip, London, England
I suspect some murky dealings in the background of this case; Big time scumbag+ huge amounts of cash+plus ineffective lawyers? I smell backsheesh some where along the line.
It would be par for the course in 3rd world Britain, we've sunk low enough
- Kedge, wilts, england
Another reason that the British justice system has evolved from being the finest in the world just a few decades ago to now being a joke and the laughing stock of the world. Until the system puts its teeth back in and starts biting, things can only get even worse! The whole of British society is the worse for the present pathetic system.
- Phil Jones, London UK
This is small potatoes by a man who has worked hard in the highly competitive pharmaceuticals industry.
Let's crack down hard on OAPs who are funding lavish life styles with free bus travel.
According to the Local Government Association, which is calling for action, the scam is costing taxpayers £1bn.
- Mike Newland, London, England
Makes no sense at all. Enforce the confiscation orders, seize the assets, and let these alleged third parties take legal action for recovery. Of course, as they insist they have a claim on sizable assets, they should be automatically disbarred from legal aid, even if they contend that the assets in contest were their only assets.
Come to that, how is it that the richer you are, the more likely to qualify for legal aid you are? Does the Establishment still deny "one law for them, another law for us"?
- Hutch, High Wycombe
Now if he was a pensioner who was a few pounds behind with their council tax, he would have had his house confiscated and found himself in gaol.
- Patrick, Dalston
As usual the only winners here are the crooks and the lawyers who represent them. Strange bed fellows indeed. Its in the lawyers financial interests to delay this for as long as possible, raking in hundreds of thousands of pounds from the tax payers. Exploiting every loop hole they can, so a criminal can hold onto his ill gotten gains from the misery of drugs sold on the streets of this country. Its all a game, played by a set of rules that have nothing to do with justice - just how one can make a mockery of the justice system. The bigger crook you are the easier it is.
- B Gare, Norfolk Gorleston
Mr Big runs rings aroung the Government.
Not too difficult, by all accounts.
- Reuben Camara, Republic of Morecambe, UK
if he's clever enough to get away with it, Good Luck to him.............
- Jonny, London
This "government" is riddled with lawyers. Is there any reason whatsoever for their not being heavily fined, or even better, sacked, for not doing their job? Both Blair and his wife are lawyers, as was the Home Secretary. Get your fingers out, you lazy bloodsuckers.
- Lezli Taubler, London/UK
Legal aid as well as an indoor swimming pool, nice.
- P Staker, London
Oh come on, he has a Pension Pot to consider. If Mr Blair can amass more than £8M through his nefarious activities. Why should Mr Big who has not sent anyone to their death be so implicated.
- William, Hay~Heath UK
Erm apart from the unpaid amount how exactly did he qualify for legal aid? No wonder the bill for that is out of control.
- Mark, London
When professional criminals or anyone else, can 'run rings around the law', is it beyond the wit of our legislature to amend these laws?
- Tony H., Cumbernauld Scotland
