Big rise in people jailed for serious tax offences

More people were jailed for serious tax offences last year than in the three years between 2008 and 2011.

Figures compiled by the Revenue Commissioners indicate the courts have begun a crackdown on those engaged in white-collar crime by handing down jail terms to convicted tax evaders on a more regular basis.

Prison sentences were imposed on 19 individuals convicted of serious tax evasion in 2012, compared to 14 for the same offence over the previous four years.