Amazon and eBay face VAT scrutiny

From BBC News Business:

Amazon and eBay 'liable' if they ignore VAT fraud

Quote:

Amazon and eBay could be liable for billions of pounds in unpaid VAT if they fail to properly investigate traders using their sites to escape sales tax, the BBC has learned.

If they're found to be liable for VAT, will they pay up and if so, will it cost more than the amount of VAT outstanding to get any money from them?

Amazon and eBay face VAT scrutiny