VHCC: SMW Represent in Highly Complex VAT Fraud

Sonn Macmillan Walker represented the 1^st defendant of 24 defendants accused of participation in an Organised Crime Group conspiracy to cheat HMRC in a highly complex and systematic VAT fraud involving reclaiming VAT against the sales of electrical goods, wholesale metals and Voice Over Internet Protocol airtime ('VOiP').

Our client was in trial 1 of 4 listed before Southward Crown Court that lasted 6 months.

£20 Million Fraud

The HMRC prosecution alleged a £20 million cheat. This followed a 10-year investigation known as Operation Barbados. Our client was an accountant, director and shareholder of the main company allegedly used for fraudulent activities.

The prosecution evidence was extremely technical had unique elements to it requiring specialist expert analysis and preparation.  The Call Data Records (‘CDR’s’) from the “VOip” were said to be fraudulent, and transactions for its purchase and sale were alleged to have been made over fake online banking applications. Tracing funds and sales through these accounts and its interaction with the traditional banking system required specialist expertise. Forensic accountants were instructed to analyse the evidence and prepare reports for court.

800,000 Pages of Evidence

The case involved consideration by a team of solicitors and paralegal assistants from this firm, all considering over 800,000 pages of prosecution evidence and unused materials. Being the lead defendant of 24 made this case extremely complex to defend. There have been guilty pleas and cut-throat defences from other co-accused. 

Marlon Grossman led the team at Sonn Macmillan Walker. We instructed leading counsel Nigel Power KC and junior counsel Nick Cockrell of 7 Harrington Street Chambers.