Criminal Fraud
Investigations

HMRC used to have a dim view of tax evasion. Still, it is increasingly likely that any accusation of such as practice will result in an investigation and criminal tax investigations proceedings. These investigations must be taken extremely seriously, as they could lead to the arrest and business and personal assets being frozen. Meanwhile, the penalties of such accusations vary from fines to custodial prison sentences of varying lengths, depending on whether HMRC considers the tax evasion to be deliberate and willful and how cooperative the individual chooses to be during the investigation.

To avoid doubt, the following actions will be considered grounds for criminal tax investigations and prosecution of tax evasion.

• Wealth is attained through criminal activities, including drugs, counterfeit goods.
• Wilful misrepresentation of Tax or VAT Returns (including the declaration of income tax)
• Deliberate neglect to file Tax or VAT Returns
• The use of forged or incorrect documentation
• Any form of deception or the concealing of data
• Laundering of funds
• Assisting any others in an attempt to evade tax (this also includes any legal representatives or accountancy firms, which is why it is essential always to seek help and advice from a reputable body)
• Structuring Businesses under shell companies and offshore structures will come under criminal tax investigations and money laundering.