DEALERS in expensive luxury goods, such as antiques and jewellery, are being urged by the York Society of Chartered Accountants to register with the taxman to comply with new money laundering regulations.

Chartered accountants say dealers who failed to register with Customs and Excise by April 1 are now risking prosecution and jail sentences under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Nigel Everard, President of York Society of Chartered Accountants, said it was alarming that many people were simply not aware of their obligations.

Updated: 13:35 Tuesday, April 27, 2004