VAT Fraud Defence Solicitors

In the UK, VAT fraud is a serious offence where businesses deceive HMRC to evade Value Added Tax (VAT) by not charging or paying the correct amount. Tax evasion costs the UK government billions yearly, and as a result, HMRC is vigilant in its pursuit of individuals accused of VAT fraud.

If you're facing VAT fraud accusations, it’s vital to seek expert legal advice from experienced VAT fraud solicitors.

At Moeen & Co. Solicitors, our VAT fraud solicitors have extensive experience in handling complex fraud cases, including VAT fraud. We will explain your legal rights, guide you through the investigation process, build a strong defence, and provide advice on the best course of action.

Facing HMRC investigations? Contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors at 0203 959 7755 or email us at info@moeenco.com for expert advice on VAT fraud allegations.

Table of Contents

What is VAT fraud?

VAT fraud occurs when businesses deceive authorities to avoid Value Added Tax (VAT) obligations or incorrectly claim refunds. This situation arises when a company fails to charge the right amount of VAT or doesn't pay the correct amount to HMRC.

Because VAT rules are complex, businesses might make mistakes, leading to fraud investigations.

Some common tactics of VAT fraud include:

• Failing to report all sales or inflating costs to minimize VAT liability.
• Not charging VAT on cash transactions when required.
• Creating fraudulent VAT invoices to simulate payment of VAT.
• Charging VAT without proper registration and failing to pay it to HMRC.

Being found guilty of VAT fraud can lead to harsh penalties. Getting help from VAT Fraud Solicitors is important to defend yourself and reduce penalties.

What Are the Penalties for VAT Fraud?

Being found guilty of VAT fraud carries significant penalties, including up to a 10-year prison sentence and fines of up to £20,000. Other factors, such as your previous convictions, could also affect the severity of your sentence.

The courts might also order:

• Restraint orders (freezing assets)
• Confiscation orders (taking back illegal profits)
• Financial reporting orders (making you report your finances)
• Serious crime prevention orders
• Disqualification from being a company director

The court looks at many things when deciding a sentence. This includes your age, how responsible you were, and your intentions. They also consider any previous convictions, your character, and any mental health issues.

A VAT fraud conviction will show up on the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) database (formerly the CRB). This can hurt your job chances in the future.

If you're accused of VAT fraud, contact our VAT fraud solicitors in London at 0203 959 7755 or email info@moeenco.com for legal advice and a strong defence. We can help you defend yourself and lessen the impact of any penalties.

What Happens During a VAT Fraud Investigation?

VAT fraud investigations can be very thorough and upset businesses. They might lead to:

• Raids on business premises
• Freezing of business accounts
• Arrest of business personnel
• Interviews under caution
• Criminal proceedings for VAT fraud
• Asset recovery under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
• Imposition of a Serious Crime Prevention Order

If you're being investigated for VAT fraud, getting expert legal advice is key. These investigations are complex and take a lot of time. They need a careful approach to deal with HMRC effectively. Experienced VAT fraud solicitors can protect your rights and help build a strong defence.

What is Carousel Fraud?

Carousel fraud, also known as Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) fraud, is a VAT scam in the European Union. It happens when goods are brought in from EU countries without VAT. Then, these goods are sold in the UK with VAT added, but the VAT isn't paid to HMRC.

This VAT fraud works like this:

1. A company imports goods VAT-free from another EU country.
2. The importer sells the goods domestically, charging VAT.
3. Instead of paying the collected VAT to the tax authorities, the importer vanishes, earning the name "missing trader."
4. The domestic buyer, often unaware of the fraud, claims a VAT refund from the government.
5. The goods may be resold multiple times in a loop (hence "carousel"), with each transaction perpetuating the fraud.

Carousel fraud causes huge financial losses for governments. It costs EU countries billions of euros each year in lost tax revenue.

What Are the Penalties for Carousel Fraud?

People found guilty of Carousel fraud or MTIC fraud must pay back all unpaid taxes. They could face up to 10 years in prison. Those who led the fraud could get even longer sentences, sometimes decades.

These schemes cause big financial losses to HMRC because of the high value of goods and fast UK market transactions. So, authorities work hard to catch and punish those involved.

It's hard to prove carousel fraud cases because they involve many people and complex evidence. Getting help from experienced Carousel Fraud Solicitors is crucial for a strong defence.

How Do I Defend Myself Against VAT Fraud Accusations?

If accused of VAT fraud, consult with our experienced VAT fraud solicitor immediately. We can guide you through the process, explain your legal rights, and help assess the strength of the case against you.

What Is the Role of a VAT Fraud Solicitor?

VAT Fraud defence solicitors specialise in providing legal representation to individuals and organisations facing allegations of VAT fraud or carousel fraud.

Our team of VAT fraud solicitors build strong defence strategies, challenge evidence, and advocate for our clients throughout legal proceedings.

24/7 Legal Support

An arrest can happen anytime. That's why our criminal defence solicitors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our team is always ready to help, ensuring you get fair and professional help from the start.

No matter where you are, our team of specialist fraud defence solicitors based in Hayes, London, offers 24/7 legal advice and representation throughout the UK.

Private Funding for Legal Services

You may qualify for Legal Aid, but it’s important to understand that Legal Aid funding comes with significant limitations on the support we can offer.

Choosing private funding lets us give your case more attention. With private funding, we can prepare your defence in detail. This means we can fight for you more effectively.

If you're facing VAT or Carousel fraud charges, think about private funding. It could help your case.

Contact Our VAT Fraud Solicitors

If you're under investigation for VAT fraud, contact our VAT fraud solicitors in Hayes, London, at 0203 959 7755 or email info@moeenco.com for legal guidance.