Serious Fraud, VAT & Tax
VAT Investigation Defence
We have a proven track record of effectively defending against serious fraud and white collar crime investigations and prosecutions by leading prosecuting authorities, including:
- HMRC | SFO | FCA | BEIS
- Trading Standards | CPS | Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA)
- National Crime Agency (NCA) | UK Border Agency | Insolvency Service
- Competition & Markets Authority | Local Authorities
- National Investigation Service (NATIS) | Companies House Investigations
Our experience includes:
- SFO investigations – advising witnesses in relation to Section 2 Notices served on corporate bodies and individuals and representing suspects in relation to financial crime allegations
- Attending Dawn Raids and providing clients with advice and assistance at their business premises while a search is conducted by investigating officers
- Our 24/7 Rapid Response Team representing individuals in interviews under caution either following an arrest or by voluntary attendance
- Acting in numerous multi-million pounds fraud investigations often with a significant international dimension
- Working in foreign jurisdictions and engaging local professional advisers including lawyers, accountants and private investigators
- Representing clients throughout the country in a wide range of fraud investigations from our offices in London, Birmingham and Manchester
- Representation in court proceedings in conjunction with our long-established working relationships with the leading barristers and King's Counsels (KCs) in the country
- Advising on issues of business continuity and reputational damage
- Negotiating settlements with prosecuting authorities and advising on Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPA)
Testimonials
Got a question?
What type of cases can KANGS assist me with?
Many of our cases are multi-jurisdictional and involve high values of money, property and other assets.
We undertake the full spectrum of fraud investigation work including:
- Money Laundering, Tax Evasion, Bribery & Corruption
- HMRC Investigations, VAT Fraud, Duty Evasion & Diversion
- PAYE & Payroll Fraud, Furlough Fraud, Abuse of Government Loans
- Boiler Room, Ponzi and Pyramid Scheme Frauds
- Mortgage Fraud, Insurance Fraud, Banking Fraud
- Internet Fraud, Crypto Fraud, Advance Fee, Pension Fraud
- Illegal Money Lending, Immigration Fraud, False Accounting
- Fraudulent Trading, Carbon Credit Fraud, Land Banking
- Fraud on Major Commercial & Public Bodies, e.g. NHS, MoD
- Failure to Prevent Fraud, Breach of Money Laundering Regulations
Who do KANGS represent in fraud cases?
Over the last twenty years we have acted for a diverse range of clients including:
- Publicly listed companies including FTSE 100 PLCs
- Private limited companies & SMEs
- Professionally qualified individuals including solicitors, accountants, financial executives and medical professionals
- Company directors
- Partnerships, LLPs and sole traders
- Employees and other individuals
Contact KANGS
The expert lawyers at KANGS are available to assist you. We can arrange initial consultations in person, by video call or telephone.
Please contact one of our experts listed below or contact us at:
How can a law firm help in fraud cases?
Our expertise in serious fraud cases encompasses every stage, from the initial raid, arrest and interview, through the often-lengthy investigation stage, to the prosecution and subsequent trial in court.
We can assist you in the following manner:
- Advice and representation at dawn raids
- Representation at interviews under caution whether voluntary or under arrest
- Advice and representation in relation to a Section 2 Notice served by the SFO
- Deployment of our 24-hour Rapid Response Team
- Liaison and negotiation with the Prosecuting Authority
- Advice on Financial Restraint Orders and Cash Seizures
- Preparation of the defence case and representation in Court from the first hearing through to trial
It is important to seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity. Our team is adept at swiftly and efficiently handling all ancillary matters associated with fraud investigations, as outlined above.
Whats the difference between Criminal Fraud and Civil Fraud?
A civil action for fraud is a private action brought by an individual or organisation (the claimant) against another individual or organisation (the defendant). Typically, the claimant seeks compensation for damages incurred due to the defendant's actions.
When a victim of fraud reports the incident to a law enforcement agency and if sufficient evidence exists to prosecute the accused (the defendant), it becomes the responsibility of the prosecuting authority to present a criminal case in court.
If, for any reason, the prosecuting authority decides not to bring a prosecution, it is open to the victim to bring a private criminal prosecution in the criminal court.
Read more
What You Need to Know About VAT Inspections and Investigations
HMRC investigations or allegations of VAT fraud can be intimidating. Understanding your rights is crucial. We have drafted an article with an additional ten FAQs which address common questions about VAT fraud and investigations. It also outlines the steps to take if approached by HMRC. Find out more.
Missing Trader Intra Community (MTIC) VAT Fraud
We are nationally recognised for our significant expertise and experience in dealing with MTIC & VAT fraud cases, also known as carousel fraud, and have been involved in many of the leading cases in recent years. We consider ourselves to be in a unique position as very few other firms have had conduct of such a number of MTIC and VAT fraud cases in recent years.
In addition to the above-mentioned MTIC investigations involving established products such as CPUs, mobile phones and other electrical goods, we have considerable experience in relation to allegations of MTIC and VAT fraud involving a variety of other commodities including luxury cars, carbon credits, metals, waste products and toiletries.
We also provide a full service to corporate and individual clients in relation to all civil aspects of VAT including advice in relation to VAT Assessments and representation at the Tax Tribunal.
Our extensive experience of such cases includes acting in some of the largest investigations and prosecutions ever undertaken by HMRC including:
- Operation Maypole – Operation Drive – Operation Lychee – Operation Dowel
- Operation Capri 2 – Operation Ghast – Operation Duma – Operation Capri 3
- Operation Fastback – Operation Vex – Operation Varlet – Operation Tulipbox
- Operation Elemi – Operation Develop – Operation Hayrick – Operation Gnawed
- Operation Vehicle – Operation Devout – Operation Vita
- Operation Dumpcart – Operation Forebear – Operation Janitor
Dawn Raids & 24/7 Rapid Response
Dawn Raids are an increasing feature of corporate life and are most commonly conducted by investigating authorities such as HM Revenue & Customs, the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Competition & Markets Authority and the National Crime Agency.
KANGS 24-hour Rapid Response Team consists of ten highly trained and experienced solicitors with a proven track record of advising corporate and individual clients in relation to all aspects of Dawn Raids.
Serious Fraud Investigations & Prosecutions
We have particular experience in conducting complex and often high-value cases involving the following areas:
- Money Laundering, Tax Evasion, Bribery & Corruption, Mortgage Fraud
- Conspiracy to Defraud, Duty Evasion & Diversion, Banking Fraud
- Insurance Fraud, Boiler Room, Ponzi and Pyramid Fraud
- Fraud on Major Commercial & Public Bodies, e.g. NHS
- Internet Fraud, Land Banking, Advance Fee, Pensions
- Illegal Money Lending, Immigration Fraud & False Accounting
- Fraudulent Trading, Carbon Credit Fraud
SFO Investigations
We have significant experience in acting for witnesses and suspects in relation to investigations by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). Our experience extends to representing multi-national corporations and individual company officers and executives.
We have considerable expertise in advising clients in relation to Notices served pursuant to Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987 (‘Section 2 Interview Notices’) and advising in relation to Section 2(3) Notices requiring the production of material to the SFO.
Latest News & Insights
VAT on Property | Liability Arising from Property Development and Transactions
