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MP may face fraud investigation

Published on 8 Jun 2009 under category: legal

Scottish MP Jim Devine may face charges for fraud crimes regarding his expenses claims, which he denies tampering with.

The Labour representative for Livingston, in West Lothian, may face proceedings following the revelation that he submitted a £2,000 bill for a company which is said not to exist.

Concerns were raised by local members, who say they wish to formally lodge a complaint of fraud crimes against the MP.

"The seriousness of these allegations warrants a full police investigation," the members added.

A bill from £2,157 was lodged by Mr Devine for rewiring his second home, however it has been found to have a bogus VAT number, inaccurate address and wrong postcode.

However, Mr Devine said the electrician had been recommended by a man in a London pub, the bill was settled in cash and he is not aware of where the worker is now.

Police in London recently stated they will be cracking down on fraud crimes in the city, with Mike Bowron, commissioner at the City of London Police, saying it has increased in the past year.