Tax officials moved after the Scottish fishing industry was deemed “high risk” and aim to recover about GBP 3.6 million (USD 5.5 million, EUR 4.2 million) from one of Scotland's biggest industries.
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs inspectors want to root out those under-declaring catches, fixing their books or claiming benefits to which they are not entitled.
HMRC has set up a taskforce that will target crews, fishing vessel owners and fish processors, and anyone caught dodging tax will face a fine as well as potentially a criminal prosecution.
