Sunday, January 7, 2007

Taxman to get bugging and phone-tap powers

UK - 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” (more)