The Times Saturday 22 April

The head of a criminal gang who ran a chauffeur company for first and business-class passengers of Emirates Airlines was jailed for three years yesterday for his role in a serious fraud.

John Murphy, 68, was in charge of a conspiracy to “clock” cars at Professional Chauffeur Services (PCS), Liverpool crown court was told.

An investigation by Trading Standards revealed that Murphy and four other conspirators had wiped more than seven million miles off the odometers of about 100 chauffeur vehicles.

The cars were then sold on to unsuspecting dealers and motorists for a huge profit. The fraud was worth an agreed figure of £250,000 but the prosecution suggested that the real figure was nearer £1 million.

Murphy has convictions for offences including obtaining property by deception, tax evasion and drink-driving. This month The Times revealed that Emirates was aware of the criminality but refused to cancel a multimillion-pound contract with the company.

After the convictions, Transport for London revoked PCS’s licence, and Liverpool Football Club stopped using the company. PCS maintains an operator’s licence with Halton and Cheshire West councils.

Judge Brian Cummings, QC, told Murphy: “You played a leading role in the conspiracy over a sustained period of time and there were a large number of victims.”

Emirates said all vehicles “must respect local regulations, meet our high-quality standards and be less than two years old. Should PCS fail to meet these requirements, Emirates will take the necessary steps to rectify the situation.”

Murphy is appealing against his conviction. Trading Standards is conducting a corporate prosecution against PCS. The trial will begin in November.

This article is subject of a legal complaint from John Murphy

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