[26
JUN 00] GEOFFREY ROBINSON MP NEWS
Robinson Pursued For £3.6m Tax Debt
Coventry
MP Geoffrey Robinson is being targeted by the French tax authorities
over an unpaid £3.6 million bill, it has been reported.
The
Coventry North West MP inherited two luxury apartments in Cannes from
his business partner, Joska Bourgeois, according to the Guardian.
The
apartments, which have been used for holidays by senior figures
including Cherie Blair and Gordon Brown, also had an unpaid tax debt
attached to them dating back to 1978-80.
Court
action has now been taken in France to seize the apartments from Mr
Robinson.
Belgian
authorities have also taken action over tax bills owed by Mr Robinson,
who had to resign from the Government over details of an undisclosed
loan he made to Peter Mandelson.
The
Belgians claim he owes £4.5 million following Bourgeois’ sale of a
Japanese car franchise for £15 million in 1978.
She
left the country without settling the tax bill, and Mr Robinson is
being pursued for the money because he was the sole beneficiary of her
£35 million will.
The
embattled former Jaguar boss has also been criticised for his use of a
blind offshore trust, and the collapse of his Trans Tec business.
The
Guardian reported that it was unable to contact Mr Robinson for a
comment on the matter.
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