The private estate and belongings of Craig Johnson, the man behind the £138 million mobile phone VAT scam, known as one of the biggest scams in British ­history, have been put up for sale by the British government. The crime baron lived an extravagant lifestyle in an eight-bedroom stately home; Grade II listed 17th century Meaford Hall in Stone, Staffs, which is also the birthplace of Admiral John Jervis, who fought Napoleon. The historic estate has its own swimming pool, gym, spa and helicopter landing pad. The opulent mansion is on the market for offers of at least £2.75 million. All his possessions will also be up for sale at a secret, by appointment-only auction on June 23, which includes his fleet of luxury cars: a Bentley Arnage, Ferrari 355, Range Rover and Ducati motorbike. They will go under the hammer with several personalized number plates, including BA51 ERD, 55 CJ, 1 DUX, W1LKE and MA51 ERJ. One number plate, CRA 1C, is expected to raise at least £40,000. Johnson also bought two helicopters to fly around the estate. Richard Blackman, director of auction house SHM Smith Hodgkinson, said, “This is the most sizable sale of criminal assets that I have dealt with. As for the house, no disrespect to footballers but it is probably even better than theirs. The lots should make a fair few quid although everyone is credit-conscious at the moment and the boys’ toys are the first things to go.” Johnson’s other possessions include Rolex watches and diamond jewelery.

Via: DailyExpress456325