Criminal Tax Investigation
Criminal investigation, with a view to prosecution by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), is an important part of HMRC’s overall enforcement strategy.
Criminal Investigation will be kept for cases where HMRC needs to direct a strong deterrent message or where the behavior involved is such that only a criminal endorsement is appropriate. However, HMRC reserves complete discretion to conduct a criminal investigation in any case and to carry out these investigations across a range of offences and in all the areas for which the Commissioners of HMRC have accountability for.
Examples where HMRC will consider a criminal investigation
- Cases of organised criminal gangs attacking the tax system or systematic frauds where losses signify a serious threat to the tax system, including conspiracy.
- Where an individual holds a position of trust or responsibility.
- Where materially false statements are made or materially false documents are provided in the course of a civil investigation.
- Where following an avoidance scheme, reliance is placed on a false or altered document or such reliance or material facts are misrepresented to increase the credibility of a scheme.
- Where intentional concealment, deception, conspiracy or corruption is suspected.
- Cases involving the use of false or forged documents.
- In cases involving importation or exportation breaching prohibitions and restrictions.
- Cases involving money laundering with the particular focus on advisers, accountants, solicitors and others acting in a ‘professional’ capacity who provide the means to put tainted money out of reach of law enforcement.
- Where the criminal has committed previous offences there is a repeated course of illegal conduct or previous civil action.
- Cases involving theft, misuse or unlawful damage to HMRC documents.
- Where there is a proof of an assault on, threats to, or the impersonation of HMRC staff.
- Where there is a link to suspected wider criminality, whether domestic or international, involving offences, not under the administration of HMRC.
When considering whether a case should be probed under the CDF procedures or is the subject of a criminal investigation, one factor to be measured is whether the taxpayer has made a complete and unprompted disclosure of the offences committed.
For a face to face meeting with a client services team member, contact us today on (+44) 0207 183 9448 or email: dilwar.hussain@bts-online.co.uk