SUCCESSFUL CORPORATE CRIME PROSECUTION

A company has been convicted after trial for breaching VAT security conditions imposed by HMRC.

The company, which owed over £300,000 in VAT, continued to trade despite failing to comply with a legal requirement to provide security for its VAT liabilities. Following a trial, the company was found guilty and fined £20,000.

The case raised complex legal issues concerning corporate criminal liability and statutory tax obligations. The case demonstrates the proactive approach taken by HMRC and the CPS in bringing serious financial wrongdoing before the criminal courts.

Page Nyame acted as counsel for the Crown, instructed by Richard Powell of the CPS Wessex Fraud Unit.