Former Tory Treasurer Charged in £1M Fraud Case

Malcolm Macaskill, a 65-year-old former treasurer of a Conservative party branch, has been implicated in a £1 million VAT fraud and money laundering scheme. He submitted 34 false VAT return forms to HM Revenue & Customs, overstating sales from his sandwich businesses to reclaim over £800,000. Additionally, he laundered £200,000 through local Conservative party accounts in Glasgow and Rutherglen, while benefitting from his illicit activities by purchasing luxury items and going on vacations. Macaskill, who suffers from a brain tumor and was deemed unfit to stand trial, participated in an examination of facts hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court, where the facts against him were established. The scam took place between February 2003 and March 2014, and the case has been adjourned until later this year. Sheriff Paul Reid presided over the hearing, confirming that Macaskill was not present for most of the proceedings.