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Diversion Fraud Solicitors

SOLVING PERSONAL LEGAL MATTERS

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. Complete our online enquiry form here or get in touch on 01772 220 022.

What is diversion fraud?

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.

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.

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. To speak to a criminal defence lawyer, call 01772 220 022 or alternatively make an online enquiry here.