Luton Church leader jailed for tax fraud

Teslim Johnson, 39, from Dunstable, used his position as a preacher and trustee at Luton’s Agape Church to steal £155,840.

As a registered charity, Agape Church could claim Gift Aid on donations to the church. But in 2016, HMRC officers contacted donors listed on the charity’s records after they became suspicious of a series of claims that were submitted. They found that most of the donations had not been made and many of the donors had never heard of the church.

HMRC investigations found that as Johnson was the only person named on the church’s bank accounts, he was able to divert money from these fraudulent claims into his personal bank account.

Mark Cox, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Johnson thought his position in society would put him above scrutiny, but if you break the law HMRC will investigate.

“This is not a victimless crime. It is stealing from honest UK taxpayers money needed to fund vital public services in the UK. If anyone has any information about individuals or businesses involved in tax fraud they should report it to HMRC online or contact our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”

During a search of Johnson’s property investigators found documents relating to Agape Church. Gift Aid envelopes were found, but donor names and amounts did not match Gift Aid records submitted to HMRC.

Johnson was found guilty after a trial at Luton Crown Court of fraud by abuse of position and money laundering. Yesterday (28 March) Johnson was sentenced to four years imprisonment.

HMRC has started the process to recover the criminal proceeds.