Diversion Fraud Solicitors
Diversion fraud is a serious criminal offence and a conviction can carry up to 5 years' imprisonment and a substantial fine.
Our award-winning criminal defence team offers expert legal support to individuals at every stage.
Recognition for our work
Recognition for our work
What is Diversion Fraud?
Forbes Solicitors criminal defence team have extensive experience in dealing with investigations and prosecutions for diversion fraud and other fraud offences. Our specialist criminal defence solicitors are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year to represent you or a family member at the police station and at court.
Diversion fraud relates to the importation or exportation of prohibited goods such as wines, spirits, beers, cigarettes and other goods which avoid inward and outward excise duty. Inward diversion fraud involves EU imports where dutiable goods have avoided being paid and illegally distributed throughout the UK. Outward diversion fraud involves the illegal diversion into the UK market after being set for export to an EU country.
Diversion fraud may involve the owners of the goods, their professional agents, the operators of storage facilities, including bonded warehouses and hauliers and their drivers involved in the movement of goods, in the UK and overseas. The offence of diversion fraud is brought under the Customs & Excise Management Act 1979. Such prosecutions, are detailed and complex, often involving lengthy investigations and prosecutions including applications under POCA.
What is the sentence for diversion fraud?
If you are found guilty or plead guilty to diversion fraud you could be facing up to 5 years imprisonment and a substantial fine. Sentences are dependent on the value of the goods involved.
When sentencing the judge will consider level of culpability as to whether the act was planned and the manner in which it was carried out. The judge will also consider level of remorse, any previous convictions, your character and personal circumstances, whether identity fraud was involved, and the amount of money involved. Disabilities and mental illnesses or disorders will also be considered when sentencing. If you cooperate with the police and regulatory bodies during an investigation this will work in your favour.
If you are guilty of diversion fraud and enter a guilty plea early in proceedings, you could reduce the sentence by up to one third. The later you leave it to enter a guilty plea, the less likely you will be to have your sentenced reduced.
If you are found guilty, this will go on your criminal record for a specific amount of time dependent on the seriousness of the matter and the length of the sentence which could have devastating effects for any future career prospects.
What is the sentence for diversion fraud?
If you are found guilty or plead guilty to diversion fraud you could be facing up to 5 years imprisonment and a substantial fine. Sentences are dependent on the value of the goods involved.
When sentencing the judge will consider level of culpability as to whether the act was planned and the manner in which it was carried out. The judge will also consider level of remorse, any previous convictions, your character and personal circumstances, whether identity fraud was involved, and the amount of money involved. Disabilities and mental illnesses or disorders will also be considered when sentencing. If you cooperate with the police and regulatory bodies during an investigation this will work in your favour.
If you are guilty of diversion fraud and enter a guilty plea early in proceedings, you could reduce the sentence by up to one third. The later you leave it to enter a guilty plea, the less likely you will be to have your sentenced reduced.
If you are found guilty, this will go on your criminal record for a specific amount of time dependent on the seriousness of the matter and the length of the sentence which could have devastating effects for any future career prospects.
Why choose Forbes Solicitors as your diversion fraud defence lawyer?
Forbes Solicitors have an experienced and dedicated team of fraud defence lawyers with a strong reputation of defending individuals facing prosecution for diversion fraud. We are repeatedly asked to assist client who have already, at some time or during the course of an investigation or Court proceedings instructed solicitors. We are used to dealing with such enquiries and advising as to the transfer of a case from previous solicitors to Forbes Solicitors. It is important that you have confidence in the solicitors that you instruct to in order to get the best possible outcome. To speak to a criminal defence lawyer, call 01772 220 022 or alternatively make an online enquiry here.
Why choose Forbes Solicitors as your diversion fraud defence lawyer?
Forbes Solicitors have an experienced and dedicated team of fraud defence lawyers with a strong reputation of defending individuals facing prosecution for diversion fraud. We are repeatedly asked to assist client who have already, at some time or during the course of an investigation or Court proceedings instructed solicitors. We are used to dealing with such enquiries and advising as to the transfer of a case from previous solicitors to Forbes Solicitors. It is important that you have confidence in the solicitors that you instruct to in order to get the best possible outcome. To speak to a criminal defence lawyer, call 01772 220 022 or alternatively make an online enquiry here.
CarlyI found Craig and the team to be a massive help and support throughout the process. They were friendly and reassuring and I felt informed and supported throughout. The entire team went above and beyond and I am very grateful. I highly recommend Forbes solicitors and would use again if I found myself needing legal representation.
AnonymousWhen you're in a place that feels like there is no way out. That's when you call Craig MacKenzie. Craig and Paige make sure you are being heard and work towards a positive outcome. Could not recommend this firm and individuals mentioned any more.
KarlI couldn't have had anyone better working on my case, and I will write a personal response to Craig on the conclusion of the financial side of the case, thanking him for all he has done. I would also like to mention Tom Cox in this review as he has greatly assisted in the positive outcome of my case too. Excellent service.
Legal 500I have found Phil Blackburn to be a truly exceptional solicitor in terms of quality of client care, tactical acumen and case preparation. He is also both extremely responsive and proactive in his dealings with counsel. It is a pleasure to be able to write this reference and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Legal 500Daniel King is one of the most respected fraud lawyers in the Northwest. He has been in most of the leading fraud cases nationally. He is as at home in Southwark as he is in Manchester or Preston. Craig Liversidge is an extremely talented solicitor who should be your first choice on a fraud case. He is always in demand on the most complex of cases.
Chambers and PartnersForbes' team has great strength and depth, from their paralegals all the way to their partners. Their training sets them up to deliver really well across the board.
Chambers and PartnersI think that they're tremendous. Their crown court team is extremely good and they hold their own against anybody in the North West.
Chambers and PartnersThey are a top-drawer firm. Their work is of a consistently high standard and they also provide detailed and analytical observations about the evidence and issues at hand.
Chambers and PartnersForbes are an excellent firm and they have a reputation as a leading criminal firm. They really do the work and they have a great commitment to their clients.
Our criminal defence team provide expert legal fraud defence advice and representation throughout the country to those suspected of or charged with diversion fraud. We have many years of experience in representing clients who have been the subject of such investigations. Our fraud solicitors are members of the Specialist Fraud Panel and Series Fraud Association and are able to conduct the provision of advice and representation in fraud defence, either on a private fee-paying basis or through public funding through Legal Aid.
Our criminal defence team provide expert legal fraud defence advice and representation throughout the country to those suspected of or charged with diversion fraud. We have many years of experience in representing clients who have been the subject of such investigations. Our fraud solicitors are members of the Specialist Fraud Panel and Series Fraud Association and are able to conduct the provision of advice and representation in fraud defence, either on a private fee-paying basis or through public funding through Legal Aid.
How can our diversion fraud solicitors help you?
Our criminal defence team can help by providing advice and representation throughout all stages of an investigation into diversion fraud. We will work with you to achieve the best possible outcome under the circumstances. We run a 24/7 service, which operates 365 days a year, so someone from our dedicated team of criminal defence solicitors is always there when you need them, providing this service nationwide.
How can our diversion fraud solicitors help you?
Our criminal defence team can help by providing advice and representation throughout all stages of an investigation into diversion fraud. We will work with you to achieve the best possible outcome under the circumstances. We run a 24/7 service, which operates 365 days a year, so someone from our dedicated team of criminal defence solicitors is always there when you need them, providing this service nationwide.
Our dedicated Diversion Fraud Team
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0800 988 5124 - Monday - Friday: 09:00 - 17:00
