Teeth whitening scam results in jail term
Updated: Nov 4
Two men who boasted about ripping off customers by importing and selling dangerous teeth whitening products have been jailed for stealing £8.5 million in tax.
Ian Barnes, 53, and Alastair Ramage, 44, both from Merseyside, imported products which contained seriously high levels of hydrogen peroxide which damaged the enamel on their customers' teeth, according to the Business Desk.
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Making millions and refusing to pay VAT resulted in an investigation by HMRC which delved deep into their 118 bank accounts, crypto currency trading platforms and offshore accounts.
Understanding the extent of their crimes Ramage messaged Barnes to say “We’re on the first plane out of here if they (HMRC) come knocking. We’re talking millions and years in jail.”
Messages revealed in the case against the duo described that they understood the damage created by their products. “They said they used it for 30 minutes and its taken the enamel off their teeth dentist said they need new teeth.”
They also describe how the pair were proud of their fraud. “In a few hours we’ll be in 1st class, F*** the peasants.” Boasting “Platinum luggage tags, that’s how UK teeth whitening roll.”
The business partners, who ran UK Teeth Whitening Ltd and IBAR Trading Ltd, which were based in the Seychelles and Hong Kong, spent their funds on top tier properties and luxury holidays. They purchased a baseball cap which cost 16K, concealed a hidden room in Barnes home where luxury watches, champagne, a gold bar and a diamond ring were found - all of which has been seized.
Barnes, from Lydiate, and Ramage, who lives in Portugal, pleaded guilty to VAT fraud in February 2026. Today (30 October), they have been jailed for eight years and 10 months at Liverpool Crown Court.
Zoe Gascoyne, Director of HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, said “Hiding stolen money in offshore accounts doesn’t put anyone beyond reach and my team will now work with partners at the Crown Prosecution Service to recover the money they stole.”
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