An 18-month HMRC investigation called Operation Varlet into carousel fraud concluded on June 27 with arrests across the UK and the searching of 20 premises in dawn raids.

HMRC said the investigation involved a large scale missing trader intra community (MTIC) VAT fraud involving a sophisticated network of individuals companies and bank accounts. Those arrested are suspected to be part of a ring of companies that fraudulently traded mobile phones buying them VAT-free from the continent to supply to businesses in the UK and then defaulting without paying the VAT due to HMRC.

HMRC director of operations and criminal investigation Euan Stewart said: The The level of sophistication of these frauds means that our investigations are becoming more complex but we are committed to working with the Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office to bring the criminals behind the frauds to justice and to recovering the money stolen from the British Taxpayer. This crime is not victimless; it is organised and causes real harm.

Two arrests took place in Stoke-on-Trent two in Rickmanswoth and one arrest each in Birmingham Slough Maidenhead Uxbridge Bushey and Hanworth.

Between April and December 2006 HMRC made 11 prosecutions for carousel fraud resulting in 40 convictions with 180 years imprisonment imposed.

The deal will see LG produce YouTube enabled handsets which feature a new user interface that makes uploading video content more simplistic. The handsets will be available worldwide by the end of the year.

LG Mobile CEO Dr. Skott Ahn said: This new service will connect people like never before. For the first time LG customers will be able to film upload and view videos on YouTube using their mobile phone just as they would be able to from their home computer.

The network claim Simplicity will appeal to customers who wont commit to long-term contracts or to those who dont want to upgrade their handset. Prices for the tariff start from £15 pounds a month for 200 minutes and 200 texts.

Simplicity SIM cards are now available from all O₂ stores or from the companys website.

Eleven boats entered the event which was held over two days between Cowes and Hamble but it was a mixed crew from Ariel Telephones and Fone Trader that was victorious.

To view or order pictures from the regatta click here

A Motorola spokesperson said: Its for personal reasons he has decided to make this move. He passionately believes in Motorola and has great confidence in the future of the company. Hes excited to be back this Thursday

On June 4 20:20 Mobile Group said: 20:20 Mobile Group the leading UK European and global mobile handset and accessories distributor has appointed Jim Michel as group business development director. Jim has extensive experience in the mobile industry and joins 20:20 from Motorola where he was UK vice-president.

The 8Gb models were being listed for $1200 double the $600 Applestore price. Punters paying $1200 from an eBayer will get their iPhone immediately. The Apple store is listing shipping times of two to four weeks.

One eBay vendor claimed: I was the first person in Corpus Christi to purchase this phone and Im passing it onto the high bidder. These phones are sold in limited quantities so its first come first served. I have two of these and will sell them in seperate auctions. I personally camped outside of an AT&T store for 20+ hours to receive this phone

According to its results for the six months to March 31 sales have increased by 18 per cent to £18.8 million boosted by converged mobile devices and data sales.

CEO James Murray said the group was also considering several acquisition opportunities as part of its growth strategy.

He is returning after three years to take a business advisory role with telecoms provider iHub. For the last 18 months Reavley had been head of the cellular division at Cable and Wireless Jamaica Limited . Before that he was with Cable and Wireless in Barbados.

He resigned last September but stayed on until his replacement was found. Reavley was voted Industry Personality of the Year at the first Mobile News Awards in 1995.

Stuart Henry left the position last month and has yet to find a new position. Hugh Symons business manager Bob Sweetlove is slated to take his place.

Henry has told industry people his role at Carphone was never intended to be long-term.

Henry carried out a 12-month review of Carphone Warehouses indirect businesses through Hugh Symons and Mobile Phone Express.

A statement from Carphone said: Our indirect channels continue to remain a key strategic part of our overall retail and distribution business and a priority for the year ahead.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Stuart for his contribution to the business over the last year and would like to wish him well in his new chosen role.

Sweetlove told Mobile News he was awaiting clarification on his position.

Some independent dealers are not happy with Henrys departure especially after his speech at Hugh Symons dealer conference in April in which he affirmed Hugh Symons and Carphones commitment to dealers and the need to calm conflict between dealers and networks.

Thornton Heaths Fone City director Akif Sadique said: Weve seen this too many times. They get up on stage and make promises and the next thing we know theyre history.

It negates everything Stuart Henry said at the seminar. His speech was a waste of time.

Carphone should sign his successor to a five-year contract. The fact that Henry didnt promise us the world probably makes his departure easier to swallow unlike (predecessor) Steve Fraser who made all sorts of promises.

Mehren Mehmood of Fonetec in New Maiden added: I just want someone to do something for us and not just talk for the sake of them making a quick buck. We need someone who will be committed towards independents. >

Faz Suleman of In2Mobiles in Peterborough added: Hugh Symons needs someone who understands our point of view. That has been lacking.

But Stuart Henrys exit wont make a lot of difference to dealers. It doesnt bother us. Well just carry on working with Hugh Symons as we always have.

Stuart did some good in the year he was there. He has benefited the industry. Whoever replaces him will have their own ideas. Well work with them too.

Tow took the top hot seat at Unique this week after an intensive series of interviews by Unique parent

IGB Group. He has been in the mobile industry for 22 years including 16 years at Vodafone.

They approached me a couple of weeks ago. Unique has a fantastic brand. My role is taking what;s there and taking it forward. There has been a £10.5million investment in a new HQ and warehousing in Hayes he said.