Image caption HMRC has released pictures of a number of people it wants to trace

Tax officials have published a gallery of photographs of the people they consider to be the most wanted UK tax fugitives.

The gallery, published for the first time online, details 20 people who HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) believe are responsible for £765m of tax evasion and fraud.

All have been identified and most are thought to be living outside the UK.

Tax officials hope that the public will have information that helps the search.

The pictures, which include one woman, are being published on the HMRC's flickr channel. The tax authority is searching for these people who are all identified, and has appealed for help by asking people to contact Crimestoppers.

The individuals include people who have been found guilty in their absence of crimes such as fraud, money laundering and smuggling. They also include some who face a warrant for their arrest, but have yet to stand trial.

The publication is part of a government campaign aimed at tackling tax evasion and gathering taxes at a time of austerity.

"The government is absolutely committed to tackling tax evasion and fraud," said Exchequer Secretary David Gauke.

"These criminals have collectively cost the taxpayer over £765m and HMRC will pursue them relentlessly.

"We hope that publishing their pictures in this way will enable members of the public to contribute to the effort to catch them."