VAT Fraud Solicitors: Missing Trader and Carousel Fraud Scheme investigations

Our VAT Fraud Solicitors have been helping businesses accused of committing VAT fraud since 1998, giving us the expertise required to provide industry-leading legal advice.

VAT fraud investigations can be particularly disruptive for businesses due to the detailed nature of the investigations. Company and personal reputations are also put at risk, making the situation particularly stressful for business owners and their loved ones.

Due to the complexity of the law around VAT fraud and the thoroughness of investigations, VAT fraud cases can be particularly lengthy and complicated. To ensure you have the right support and advice during that time, you should obtain expert legal advice as soon as possible.

Draycott Browne's team of VAT Fraud Solicitors have successfully represented and advised clients in serious high value fraud cases including VAT, Carousel & MTIC fraud since 1998 and we could help your defence. Call us today on +44 (0)161 228 2244

How can our VAT fraud solicitors can help you?

We have successfully guided clients in complex, high-value fraud cases for over 20 years. Our VAT Fraud Solicitors provide advice in some of the most complex cases around and have the experience and knowledge required to provide you with the best defence possible.

Over the years, our team of VAT Fraud Lawyers have developed a reputation for defending serious cases with unmatched tenacity and precision, gaining vast experience dealing with enforcement agencies including:

• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
• The Serious Fraud Office (SFO)

This means we know exactly what to do, no matter what's thrown our way.

Throughout your case, we will:

• Represent you during questioning
• Ensure your rights are protected and you're treated fairly
• Advise you on your plea
• Apply for bail where necessary and ensure the impact of any conditions is minimised
• Fully prepare you for trial
• Provide expert representation in court
• Advise and assist on the appeals process if required
• Help you protect your reputation

We understand how serious being accused of VAT fraud is and the stress it brings. With Draycott Browne's VAT Fraud Solicitors by your side, you can be confident you have someone with the expertise required to get you the best-possible result and help you get your life back on track as soon as possible.

​​​​Call us today on +44 (0)161 228 2244 to speak to a member of our team.

What is VAT fraud?

VAT fraud refers to fraudulent activities aimed at evading Value Added Tax (VAT) or illegally claiming VAT refunds. It can occur when a business either doesn’t charge the right amount of VAT or doesn’t pay the appropriate amount to HMRC.

As the rules around VAT are complex, it is easy for businesses to make genuine mistakes which can see them being investigated for VAT fraud.

Common examples of VAT fraud include the following:

• Suppressing sales or inflating purchases to avoid or reduce the VAT liability
• Not charging VAT when it should be charged, e.g. cash in hand jobs
• Falsifying VAT invoices to make it look like VAT was paid
• Charging VAT despite not being registered for VAT, and then not accounting for that VAT to HMRC

Convictions for VAT fraud can have serious repercussions if not handled properly by the right legal representative. At Draycott Browne, our VAT Fraud Solicitors possess extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with allegations of VAT fraud. Upon notification, we will develop a comprehensive and robust defence strategy aimed at minimising the potential sentences involved.

What are the penalties of VAT fraud? 

If an individual is found guilty or pleads guilty to VAT fraud, they could be subject to penalties including up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to £20,000. Additionally, ancillary orders such as a restraint order, confiscation order, financial reporting order, serious crime prevention order, or disqualification from acting as a company director in the future may be imposed.

During sentencing, the judge takes into account various factors including the age of the individual, the level of responsibility, and culpability. The court also considers the extent to which the offence was planned and executed, as well as other factors such as previous convictions, remorse and character. In addition, any disabilities or mental disorders are also considered when determining VAT fraud penalties for each case.

If you are convicted, your details will be included in the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) database, previously known as the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB). This may significantly impact your future career opportunities.

If you're accused of VAT Fraud, it's essential to consult with our expert VAT Fraud Solicitor at Draycott Browne. With our extensive experience in handling VAT fraud cases and our meticulous approach, we will develop a robust defence strategy to minimise the impact. Contact us today to initiate the process.

What is carousel fraud?

Carousel fraud, also referred to as Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) fraud, is a method of importing goods from EU countries without paying VAT and then selling them to customers at a price that includes VAT, without remitting the VAT to HMRC.

This type of VAT fraud takes advantage of the VAT regulations for cross-border transactions within the European Union, making it a sophisticated and deceptive practice.

The carousel fraud process begins with:

• A company importing goods VAT-free from another EU country.
• The importer then selling the goods to domestic buyers, charging VAT.
• Instead of remitting the collected VAT to tax authorities, the importer disappears or "goes missing," hence the term "missing trader."
• The domestic buyer, often unaware of the fraud, claims a VAT refund from the government.
• The goods are then resold, potentially multiple times, in a circular pattern (like a carousel), with each transaction involving VAT fraud.

Carousel fraud can result in significant revenue losses for governments and is estimated to cost EU countries billions of Euros annually in lost tax revenue. 

What are the penatlies for carousel fraud? 

If an individual is found guilty or pleads guilty to Carousel fraud or MTIC fraud, they will be required to repay all unpaid taxes and could potentially face up to 10 years in prison. For those found to have played central roles in organising MTIC or carousel frauds, they could potentially face decades in prison.

The high value of the goods typically involved in MTIC frauds, and the rapid pace of the transactions once the goods are in the UK market, means that these schemes cost HMRC significant sums of money. Consequently, the authorities are committed to prosecuting and imposing the most severe penalties possible on those found guilty.

Investigations into carousel fraud have historically been challenging to prove due to the intricate nature of the evidence and the involvement of multiple parties. By reaching out to our Carousel Fraud Solicitors at Draycott Browne, you can rest assured that you will receive top-tier legal representation from industry experts.

What happens in a VAT fraud investigation?

VAT fraud investigations can be lengthy and disruptive to businesses due to their thoroughness. They can lead to severe consequences and penalties, including:

• Your business being Raided
• Your business accounts being frozen
• Arrest of business personnel
• Interview under caution of business personnel
• Commencement of criminal proceedings for VAT fraud
• Recovery of criminal assets through the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
• Imposition of a Serious Crime Prevention Order

If you're facing VAT fraud investigations, our seasoned VAT fraud solicitors will expertly advise you on how to handle HMRC requests. These intricate and lengthy investigations are our specialty. With Draycott Browne at your side, you're in capable hands. Get in touch with us today and we will get to work on your defence strategy leaving no stone left unturned.

24 hour availability

It is not always possible to anticipate an arrest, which is why our legal advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. At Draycott Browne we have a team of professionals ready to assist you whenever you need us. We will represent you at from the start to make sure you and your case are treated fairly and appropriately.

Legal aid

Defending your name is worth every penny, but if you need assistance with the financial cost of your legal fees, we can help you to apply for legal aid. Our solicitors can guide you through the application process to help you get the maximum support possible.

Private funding

At Draycott Browne, we have always supported and will continue to support clients who choose to fund their cases with Legal Aid. However, it's important to understand that Legal Aid funding imposes significant limitations on the level of support we can provide.

By opting for private funding for the legal services you need, you are ensuring the highest quality advice and representation from our top-class VAT Fraud Solicitors. Private funding enables us to allocate additional resources within our team to work more creatively and extensively on your case.

With private funding, we can provide the best possible service, leveraging the full extent of our experienced team, and ensuring that every aspect of your legal defence is thoroughly addressed.

If you're facing VAT or Carousel fraud charges, we strongly recommend considering private funding. This will ensure that you receive the best representation for your case and significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome.

Contact our VAT Fraud Solicitors

Draycott Browne, one of the top Criminal Defence Law Firms in the country, offers specialist VAT Fraud investigation representation to clients in Manchester, Liverpool and London and throughout Engalnd and Wales. By bringing your case to us, you can be confident that you will be working with a team of highly skilled and committed VAT Fraud Specialists.

Our team of Criminal Defence Lawyers is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with expert VAT fraud solicitors committed to providing a world-class defence for their clients. Draycott Browne is highly regarded across the legal profession and recognised as experts on all matters of tax law and fraud. Our solicitors, who are specialists in their field, possess a breadth of knowledge that will ensure the level of quality you should expect from a top legal team.

We take pride in our dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for all our clients and we have an excellent track record in helping hundreds of clients avoid prosecution for tax evasion.

Our Fraud Solicitors have practised within the area of financial and accounting crime crime since 1998, and their experience and expertise are guaranteed to give you the best possible chance of a successful case. If you are currently under investigation by the VAT office, it is essential you seek legal advice today. Contact Draycott Browne’s fraud team, simply call +44 (0)161 228 2244.