Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) continue to deploy aggressive tactics in its battle to prevent tax evasion.
If a criminal investigation is conducted, the prosecution will most likely be conducted before the Crown Court which will result in a jury trial.
Conviction, following a Crown Court trial for dishonestly evading payment of tax may well result in the defendant receiving a prison sentence. The decision to imprison and the period of time will be dependent upon the amount of tax which has been evaded.
HMRC has made it clear that a criminal investigationwill be conducted when there exists a need to send a strong deterrent message or where the conduct involved is such that only a criminal sanction is appropriate.
A civil investigation will be utilised in order to deal with the suspected tax evasion in a cost effective manner and there is no evidence of criminality or there is no public interest in incurring the cost of a potential prosecution.
As HMRC has complete discretion whether to investigate tax evasion by way of a criminal or civil investigation, it is imperative that any individual subject to an HMRC investigation seeks legal advice at an early stage. Immediate engagement with and disclosure of information to HMRC could result in the investigation remaining civil.
How Can We Help? | Kangs Fraud Offences Defence Solicitors
If you have been contacted by the SFO, HMRC, City of London Police or the FCA we will be able to assist you in responding to applications or attending interviews under caution.
Who To Contact | Kangs Financial Offences Defence Team
If you require legal advice please contact any one of the following for a free consultation at our offices in London, Birmingham or Manchester:
Hamraj Kang
hkang@kangssolicitors.co.uk
07976 258171 | 020 7936 6396 | 0121 449 9888
John Veale
jveale@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396
Tim Thompson
tthompson@kangssolicitors.co.uk
020 7936 6396 | 0121 449 9888
Aman Murria
amurria@kangssolicitors.co.uk
0121 449 9888 | 020 7936 6396 | 07989 521 210 (24hr Emergency Number)