Success Stories

Unanimous Acquittal for Money Laundering linked to £300,000 VAT Fraud

By Lorena Lowen  |  26.02.2020

We represented the client who was accused of entering an arrangement which he knew or suspected facilitated the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property (Money Laundering).

We represented the client who was accused of entering an arrangement which he knew or suspected facilitated the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property (Money Laundering). This 6 handed fraud case involved a complex allegation of VAT fraud including a series of false VAT repayment returns submitted by the company High Tec Elec Export Limited which was said to trade electrical goods. The company  submitted tax returns  covering 6 VAT periods.  The company’s accountant and the director were each charged with being knowingly concerned in the fraudulent evasion of VAT, and the accountant faced two separate charges of fraud by false representation.

Our client said that he did not know or suspect that funds he was pressured into accepting into his personal bank account constituted criminal property.

The client is a vulnerable individual with prominent mental health and substance abuse issues. We were able to work with him to obtain his instructions and apply for an intermediary to assist our client when he gave evidence at Trial.

Following an 8 day Trial, the jury unanimously acquitted our client.

Lorena Lowen and Phoebe Coleman prepared the case for trial, and Lisa Wilson from 25 Bedford Row was counsel.

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