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HMRC Launches Whistleblower Scheme to Tackle £46.8 Billion Tax Gap

11/28/2025

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HMRC Launches Whistleblower Rewards

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced a whistleblower reward scheme offering up to 30% of taxes collected from tax avoidance cases.
The plan aims to address the £46.8 billion tax gap, per Rachel Reeves, the finance minister.
The scheme excludes certain taxpayers and remains subject to HMRC's discretion.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Trevor Murray's appeal against UBS, and he claims he was fired unlawfully for whistleblowing.

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Osmond Faces Retaliation

Emails obtained via a FOIA request reveal retaliation by the Connecticut attorney general’s office against Adam Osmond, a whistleblower.
The messages show derogatory remarks about Osmond from staff while he pursued complaints with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO).
They also indicate attempts to collect personal information to undermine his credibility.
CHRO later found reasonable cause to believe Osmond was discriminated against because of his whistleblower status.

History

Historical Context

The Whistleblower Protection Act, enacted in 1989, safeguards federal employees reporting misconduct, promoting transparency in government. Despite its intent to protect whistleblowers from retaliation, challenges persist, as seen in recent cases like Adam Osmond's in Connecticut. The act's implications continue to influence policies in the U.S. and U.K., highlighting the ongoing need for robust support systems for whistleblowers.

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HMRC Launches Whistleblower Rewards

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) announced a whistleblower reward scheme offering up to 30% of taxes collected from tax avoidance cases.
The plan aims to address the £46.8 billion tax gap, per Rachel Reeves, the finance minister.
The scheme excludes certain taxpayers and remains subject to HMRC's discretion.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Trevor Murray's appeal against UBS, and he claims he was fired unlawfully for whistleblowing.

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