D iversion Fraud

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

Diversion fraud 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.

Essentially, diversion fraud could relate to the import or export of prohibited goods and products, this can also include wine, beer, spirits and cigarettes which avoid inward and outward excise duty. Diversion fraud may involve investigations in multiple jurisdictions such as the EU, for example inward diversion fraud would involve EU imports which are re-directed to the UK market without duty being paid as a result of false documentation. Another example of a Diversion fraud involving investigation in multiple jurisdictions is where inward diversion may involve the same products which have been exported to the EU using false documentation to avoid duty.

A diversion fraud investigation may involve other offences which have been committed as apart of a wider conspiracy for example it may involve forgery if there is a counterfeit UK warehouse stamp on an administrative document which is used as evidence that exported products or goods have been delivered to an overseas warehouse. Another example is forged documentation maybe be used to suggest goods and products have been entering and leaving the UK when in fact they may have been diverted to other locations in the UK without any duty having been paid to HMRC.

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

Diversion Share dealing 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 diversion fraud 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 diversion 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 diversion fraud, it is important to seek legal advice. Discussing your case with a specialist lawyer who understands diversion 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