Being investigated or charged with fraud or indeed any financial crime can be extremely stressful. Serious fraud charges are usually brought after rigorous investigations that can take place over many years. Our expert criminal solicitors have in depth knowledge in this area having represented client’s in numerous high value fraud cases in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Given the seriousness of these offences it is vital to seek expert legal advice at any early stage so that our solicitor’s can advise you on the best approach to take in defending the charges.Types of Fraud and Financial Crime
- Money Laundering – This is the process by which illegally obtained money is passed through legitimate businesses with the aim of ‘cleaning’ the money so that it can not be traced by the authorities. The penalties on conviction for money laundering charges varies depending on the severity of each case but usually involves a significant period of imprisonment as well as confiscation proceedings to recover the illegally obtained money.
- Conspiracy to Defraud – This offence involves an agreement by two or more individuals to carry out an action which will result in defrauding a victim. The actual defrauding of the victim is not required for this offence to be committed. An offence will be committed if it can be proven that there was an intention or plan to defraud the victim. Sentences on conviction for this offence can include imprisonment and substantial fines.
- Carousel Fraud – This is also known as Missing Trader Intra Community (MTIC) Fraud and is one of the most serious fraud offences. Carousel fraud essentially involves the importing of goods to the UK from another EU country by a ‘missing’ trader. The goods are then traded through a chain of other companies with the ultimate intention of fraudulently claiming a high level of VAT from HMRC. PA Duffy and Company have particular expertise in this area having acted for numerous client’s in the largest ever alleged Carousel fraud in Northern Ireland.
- Investment Fraud – This offence can take many forms but it generally involves an elaborate scheme which promises a high level of returns on a modest investment. Some types of investment fraud take the form of a ‘pyramid scheme’ whereby the beneficiaries of the scam entice investors who are then tasked with recruiting more investors and the money flows upward to the top of the ‘pyramid’ with the investors losing some or all of the money they have invested.
- Tax Evasion – Individuals and businesses can be charged with tax evasion in many circumstances. The most common allegation’s of tax evasion are not declaring all of your income to HMRC or keeping your business ‘off the books’ by dealing in cash. Charges usually come about as a result of a tax inspection or audit which identifies irregularities.
- Property and Mortgage Fraud – Offences of this nature are usually linked to money laundering whereby an individual or business attempts to dispose of dispose of illegally obtained money by investing it in property for example.
- Corruption and Bribery – Charges of bribery or corruption can be brought against an individual or a business. These offences can relate to a wide variety of actions such as accepting or giving a bribe, payments to secure contracts or services. Charges can also be brought against a company if one of their employees engages in these activities. It is vital to seek expert legal advise in order to protect the interests of your business.
How We Can Help
At PA Duffy and Company our criminal solicitors have a high level of expertise in all areas of fraud and financial crime. Cases of this nature are often highly complex and it is important to have a legal team who are experienced in this area. Our Dungannon based solicitors will provide advice and representation at all levels for individuals and businesses including police station interviews.
All initial enquiries are free and we will discuss the funding options which are available to our client’s, including Legal Aid, legal expenses cover and private paying.
