Taxman to get bugging powers
January 9, 2007[hat-tip: SpyBlog]
The Sunday Times:
TAX inspectors are to be given new powers allowing them to tap taxpayers’ telephones and plant bugs inside their homes and offices.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) says its inspectors need such covert surveillance to tackle the growing threat from organised and white-collar crime.
However, lawyers and accountants argue that the move could breach human rights and have condemned ministers for “creeping authoritarianism”.
Read the SpyBlog article.