Notorious Johnsons face prison over fraud

The notorious Johnson brothers were today facing jail after police smashed a multi-million pound tax con that has led to 10 men being locked up for more than 50 years.

Carl and Tony Johnson were found guilty over their role in a £34 million fraud – but have been granted bail by a court following the death of a family member.

It can today be revealed that Tom Kirwan, the reveller stabbed to death outside Wolverhampton nightclub Uberra, was a brother-in-law of one of the Johnsons.

The full extent of the payroll con saw the taxman fidd

led out of millions of pounds which was frittered away on lavish luxuries including top-of-the-range sports cars and designer jewellery.

The brothers were hired by tax con kingpin Thomas Scragg, from Wolverhampton, who is now serving 17 years for heading up the fraud. He spent £258,000 on a luxury wedding attended by celebrities including legendary soul singer Jocelyn Brown and sports stars including snooker legend Jimmy White, while another £400,000 went on designer jewellery, including a £100,000 diamond-encrusted watch.

The Johnsons were regularly spotted throughout Wolverhampton in flash cars, including a £220,000 Lamborghini Murcielago, a Range Rover and Bentley Continental worth £145,000.

The pair have been conditionally bailed by Birmingham Crown Court after being found guilty of money laundering. They will be sentenced on July 27.

• Video - Inside lavish homes of Wolverhampton criminal brothers