HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) inspectors are increasingly using controversial powers to monitor suspected tax evaders, official figures suggest.

Revenue officers were granted 5,492 requests to spy on people under the Regulation of Investigative Powers Act (Ripa) 2000, legislation designed tackle terrorism and serious crimes, the Telegraph/daily mail reports.

The figure marks an 80% increase in just four years, with the overwhelming majority of requests to use Ripa for tax evasion being granted.

Revenue inspectors are known to visit harbours and airfields to trace owners of luxury yachts, helicopters and private aircraft in a bid to stem the £3bn annual cost of lost tax.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/tax/6974381/Tax-inspectors-granted-permission-to-spy-on-potential-tax-evaders-15-times-a-day.html