C arousel Fraud or MTIC (Missing Trader intra Community Fraud)

It is crucial to take legal advice as soon as possible if there is a possibility a carousel fraud or MTIC investigation will be launched or allegations have been made.

Carousel fraud or missing trader fraud also known as MTIC investigations are extremely thoroughly investigated and can cause immense disruption to a business, and individuals, who are the subject of those investigations. These investigations may cause stress and irreparable damage to reputations and can be long and complex.

Quite often carousel / MTIC fraud investigations have an international element, for example where a trader goes missing and investigators may seek to carry on part of their investigation in a different jurisdiction obtaining, tracing and tracking evidence in different parts of the world, tracking down and tying up members of a chain companies, involved in carousel / MTIC fraud, and linking this to people they suspect are involved in a conspiracy to make false VAT claims.

In some instances, if MTIC fraud is suspected, a wider investigation can ensnare those who are not involved in any fraud and they then may find themselves under investigation.

Carousel / MTIC fraud investigations require a robust defence to be thought out, logical and strategic, in order to avoid errors and misjudgements which may prejudice a case.

Belgravia Solicitors can advise you and liaise with agencies which may be involved in a carousel / MTIC investigation, including the following:

• City of London Police
• Trading Standards
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
• National Crime Agency (NCA)
• Serious Fraud Office (SFO)

At Belgravia Solicitors we robustly challenge the evidence presented, where necessary challenging the procedures undertaken to obtain the evidence, challenge the admissibility of the evidence and ensure the evidence, a carousel / MTIC fraud investigation case is built upon, is not misinterpreted and fight your corner to give you the best chance of achieving the result you want from your case.

We will always ensure that the evidence is properly considered and will instruct appropriate experts on your behalf when evidence needs to be obtained, challenged, further examined, or excluded.

If you, your business / company, a family member / relative, or a friend are accused of carousel / MTIC fraud, it is important to seek legal advice. Discussing your case with a specialist lawyer who understands carousel / MTIC fraud at an early stage is essential to help understand what can be done to prepare a proper defence. We can be contacted on 03330 16 96 16 or on email: mail@belgraviasolicitors.co.uk