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130 officers swoop on Ripponden man's firm
THE biggest UK raid by trading standards has centred on the business dealings of controversial Ripponden businessman Vance Miller.
It is the latest blow for 41-year-old Mr Miller who lost 800,000 when his uninsured Calderdale farmhouse was torched by arsonists in August. A firebomb attack followed on his other home at Ramsbottom, near Bury.
That has led police to probe his underworld links as he has had a string of convictions and has been exposed on national TV for having left hundreds of customers out of pocket.
More than 130 police officers were involved in yesterday's raids which centred on his Oldham based company, Kitchens, and residential properties.
Four people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud. They have not been named and one of them is a 41-year-old man from Ramsbottom.
All are being interviewed during Operation Church involving Oldham Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Police.
Kitchens turns over millions every year and has hit the headlines nationwide after numerous consumer complaints over contracts and incomplete orders.
Trading standards officers handle up to 100 complaints a week about the company and said Kitchens attracted more complaints than any other independent UK trader.
Oldham Council service director John Rice said: "This action will prevent further economic harm to consumers.
"However, we recognise that this enforcement action will, potentially, impact upon thousands of UK consumers who are at various stages of dealing with this firm.
"We have published an emergency contact helpline for anyone affected by the matter to call for assistance.''
In 2002, Mr Miller became the first in the country to receive a "Stop Now" order from the Office of Fair Trading which demanded he stop his rogue trading practices or face prison. He ignored the warning and was jailed.
Mr Miller has been jailed in several countries for offences ranging from diamond smuggling to kidnapping.
Inquiries into the Ripponden arson attack at Great Manshead, off Blue Ball Road, are continuing.
The helpline number is 08454 040506 and the website address is www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/oldham
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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