A man from Rochdale, Ahmed Salim Khezri, has been named as one of the UK's most wanted tax criminals. He was involved in a £28 million cigarette smuggling operation.

The 24-year-old Iranian, based in Illminster, Freehold, was sentenced to six years in absentia at Manchester Crown Court in April. The conspiracy involved smuggling low-grade cigarettes and counterfeit tobacco into the UK, distributing them across northern England and Scotland.

The goods were stored at sites in Blackburn, Oldham, Essex, Ascot, and Slough before distribution. The gang of seven was caught due to fingerprints and DNA left at these sites.

Khezri has cost taxpayers approximately £2.2 million and is on the run after being sentenced. Customs officials believe he may have left the country.

Recently, he was listed as one of the UK's five most wanted tax criminals by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Jennie Granger from HMRC stated, "Tax fraudsters line their pockets at the UK’s expense. We urge the public to review the 2014 list and assist in bringing back these fugitives."

The UK loses over £844 million due to such frauds, and HMRC is relentless in pursuing offenders.

If you have any information, please contact the Tax Evasion Hotline at 0800 788 887 or Crimestoppers at 0800 555111, or report online via the HMRC website.