Fraud Lawyers London - Expert Corporate Fraud Defence Solicitors

Specialist Fraud Lawyers for All Types of Fraud Cases

Our fraud lawyers defend clients against all types of fraud allegations. As leading fraud lawyers in London, we understand that fraud cases are often complex, involving extensive documentation and technical evidence. Our experienced fraud lawyers have the expertise and resources to provide robust defence at every stage of your case. Whether you need fraud lawyers for corporate fraud, investment fraud, or any fraud matter, our team is here to help 24/7.

Corporate Fraud Defence

Corporate fraud allegations can have devastating consequences for businesses and directors. Our fraud lawyers have extensive experience defending clients in complex corporate fraud investigations and prosecutions.

What is corporate fraud? Corporate fraud involves dishonest conduct by a company or its directors to gain an unfair advantage or financial benefit. This can include falsifying accounts, fraudulent trading, or misrepresenting financial positions to investors, banks, or regulators.

How we help: Our corporate fraud lawyers work closely with forensic accountants and expert witnesses to challenge the prosecution's case. We have successfully defended directors and companies at Southwark Crown Court and other specialist fraud courts across England.

Common corporate fraud charges include:

• Fraudulent trading under the Companies Act
• False accounting and book-keeping offences
• Director disqualification proceedings
• Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigations
• HMRC corporate tax fraud investigations

Investment Fraud Lawyers

Investment fraud cases often involve allegations of Ponzi schemes, pyramid selling, or unauthorised financial services activity. Our fraud lawyers have defended clients in high-value investment fraud cases involving millions of pounds.

Types of investment fraud we defend:

• Ponzi schemes and pyramid selling
• Unauthorised collective investment schemes
• FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) prosecutions
• Boiler room fraud allegations
• Cryptocurrency and digital asset fraud
• Land banking and property investment fraud

Our fraud lawyers understand the complex regulatory framework governing financial services. We work with specialist financial services counsel and expert witnesses to provide effective defence.

Mortgage Fraud Defence

Mortgage fraud allegations often arise from applications containing false information about income, employment, or property value. These cases can result in significant prison sentences if convicted.

Common mortgage fraud allegations:

• False income or employment declarations
• Identity fraud in mortgage applications
• Property valuation fraud
• Buy-to-let fraud
• Right to buy fraud
• Mortgage broker fraud

Our mortgage fraud lawyers have successfully defended clients by challenging the evidence of dishonesty and demonstrating innocent explanations for apparent discrepancies.

VAT & Tax Fraud Solicitors

VAT fraud and tax fraud cases are often prosecuted by HMRC and can involve allegations of Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) fraud, carousel fraud, or systematic tax evasion.

HMRC fraud investigations we handle:

• MTIC (Missing Trader Intra-Community) fraud
• Carousel VAT fraud
• Income tax evasion
• Corporation tax fraud
• False VAT returns
• Customs and excise fraud

Our VAT fraud lawyers have extensive experience with HMRC investigations and prosecutions. We work with specialist tax barristers and forensic accountants to provide comprehensive defence.

Insurance Fraud Lawyers

Insurance fraud can range from exaggerated personal injury claims to large-scale organised fraud rings. Our fraud lawyers defend individuals and companies facing insurance fraud allegations.

Types of insurance fraud:

• Staged accident claims (crash for cash)
• Exaggerated or fraudulent injury claims
• False theft or damage claims
• Business interruption fraud
• Life insurance fraud
• Professional indemnity fraud

Benefit Fraud & Social Security Fraud

Benefit fraud prosecutions are brought by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) and can result in prison sentences for serious cases.

Common benefit fraud allegations:

• Failure to declare income or capital
• False claims for disability benefits
• Housing benefit fraud
• Universal credit fraud
• Council tax benefit fraud

Banking & Financial Fraud

Banking fraud cases can involve allegations of unauthorised transactions, money laundering, or fraud against financial institutions.

Types of banking fraud:

• Account takeover fraud
• Payment diversion fraud
• Loan application fraud
• Credit card fraud
• Cheque fraud
• Online banking fraud

Bribery & Corruption

Bribery and corruption cases are prosecuted under the Bribery Act 2010 and can involve both domestic and international allegations.

Bribery offences we defend:

• Bribing another person (section 1)
• Being bribed (section 2)
• Bribing a foreign public official (section 6)
• Corporate failure to prevent bribery (section 7)

Why Choose Our Fraud Lawyers?

Extensive Experience - Leading Fraud Lawyers

Our fraud lawyers have over 25 years of combined experience defending clients in complex fraud cases. As specialist fraud lawyers, we have successfully defended clients at Southwark Crown Court (the UK's main fraud court), as well as Crown Courts throughout England and Wales. Our fraud lawyers understand the complexities of fraud investigations and prosecutions.

Specialist Fraud Counsel - Our Fraud Lawyers Work With Leading Barristers

We work with leading fraud barristers including Queen's Counsel (QCs) who specialise in complex fraud defence. Our strong links with specialist chambers ensure you have access to the best legal representation.

Forensic Accountancy Expertise - Fraud Lawyers With Technical Knowledge

Fraud cases often involve complex financial evidence. We work with leading forensic accountants who can analyse the prosecution's case and identify weaknesses in their evidence.

Early Intervention - Fraud Lawyers Protecting Your Rights From Day One

Many fraud investigations begin with interviews under caution or voluntary attendance at a police station. Our fraud lawyers can attend with you to ensure your rights are protected from the earliest stage.

Private, Discreet Service - Fraud Lawyers You Can Trust

We understand that fraud allegations can be devastating for your reputation and career. We provide a confidential, discreet service and work to minimise publicity where possible.

24/7 Availability - Fraud Lawyers Ready When You Need Us

Fraud arrests and investigations can happen at any time. Our fraud lawyers are available 24/7 on 020 7193 5316 to provide immediate advice and representation.

How Our Fraud Lawyers Can Help You

Pre-Investigation Advice

If you're aware of a potential fraud investigation, early legal advice is crucial. Our fraud lawyers can advise on how to prepare and protect your position.

Police Station Representation

If you're asked to attend a police station for interview, whether under arrest or by voluntary attendance, our fraud lawyers can attend with you to ensure your rights are protected.

Responding to Investigations

Fraud investigations often involve:

• Interviews under caution
• Production orders for documents
• Search warrants
• Restraint orders freezing assets
• Requests for voluntary disclosure

Our fraud lawyers can advise at every stage.

Court Representation

If you're charged with fraud, our lawyers will:

• Apply for bail if you're remanded in custody
• Prepare your defence case
• Instruct specialist fraud counsel
• Obtain expert evidence where needed
• Represent you at trial
• Conduct plea negotiations where appropriate

Confiscation Proceedings

Fraud convictions often lead to Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) confiscation proceedings. Our fraud lawyers have extensive experience defending clients in confiscation cases and challenging inflated benefit figures.

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Notable Fraud Cases

R v Xin Li - Southwark Crown Court

Chris Georgiou successfully defended a client in a large-scale DVD piracy case involving millions of pounds worth of counterfeit goods. The case received national media coverage from BBC and Sky News.

R v Vijay Shah - St Albans Crown Court

Our fraud lawyers defended a councillor in a complex fraud case involving allegations of false accounting and abuse of position. The case was covered by BBC News, Harrow Times, and Watford Observer.

High-Value Investment Fraud

We have successfully defended clients in investment fraud cases involving alleged Ponzi schemes worth over £10 million, working with leading financial services counsel and forensic accountants.

The Fraud Investigation & Prosecution Process

Stage 1: Investigation

Fraud investigations are typically conducted by:

• City of London Police (Action Fraud)
• Regional police fraud squads
• Serious Fraud Office (SFO) - cases over £1 million
• HMRC - tax and VAT fraud
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) - financial services fraud
• Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) - benefit fraud

Stage 2: Interview

You may be asked to attend an interview under caution, either under arrest or by voluntary attendance. This is a crucial stage where legal representation is essential.

Stage 3: Charging Decision

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or relevant prosecuting authority will decide whether to charge you based on the evidence. Our fraud lawyers can make representations to prevent charges being brought.

Stage 4: Court Proceedings

Fraud cases are heard in the Crown Court. Complex fraud cases are often heard at specialist fraud courts such as Southwark Crown Court.

Stage 5: Trial or Plea

Our fraud lawyers will advise on the strength of the prosecution case and whether to contest the charges at trial or negotiate a plea to lesser charges.

Stage 6: Sentencing

Fraud sentencing follows the Sentencing Council's Fraud Guideline. Sentences range from community orders for low-value fraud to lengthy prison sentences for high-value cases.

Fraud Sentencing Guidelines

The Sentencing Council's Fraud, Bribery and Money Laundering Guideline sets out sentencing ranges based on:

• The value of the fraud
• Your role (leading, significant or lesser)
• Sophistication of the fraud
• Whether there are vulnerable victims
• Abuse of position of trust

Typical sentencing ranges:

• Up to £5,000: Fine to community order
• £5,000 - £50,000: Community order to 2 years custody
• £50,000 - £500,000: 2-5 years custody
• £500,000 - £2 million: 5-7 years custody
• Over £2 million: 7+ years custody (up to life for the most serious cases)

Our fraud lawyers can present mitigation to reduce your sentence, including:

• Previous good character
• Cooperation with the investigation
• Remorse and attempts to make restitution
• Personal circumstances and impact
• Limited role in the fraud

Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Lawyers

What should I do if I'm arrested for fraud?

Contact our fraud lawyers immediately on 020 7193 5316. Do not answer any questions until you have legal representation. Our fraud lawyers can attend the police station with you 24/7. As experienced fraud lawyers, we understand the urgency of police station representation and can be with you within 60-90 minutes across London.

Can fraud lawyers help if I'm under investigation but not yet charged?

Yes. Early legal advice is crucial in fraud investigations. Our lawyers can advise you on how to respond to the investigation and make representations to prevent charges being brought.

How much do fraud lawyers cost?

We offer fixed fee pricing for most fraud cases. Fees start from £500 + VAT. We'll provide a clear written quote after discussing your case. Payment plans are available for complex cases.

Do I need a specialist fraud lawyer?

Yes. Fraud cases involve complex legal and technical issues. Specialist fraud lawyers have the expertise and contacts with expert witnesses needed to provide effective defence.

What is the Serious Fraud Office (SFO)?

The SFO investigates and prosecutes serious or complex fraud cases typically valued at over £1 million. They have extensive powers including compelling documents and testimony. Our fraud lawyers have experience with SFO investigations.

Can I be extradited for fraud?

If fraud allegations involve multiple countries, extradition is possible. Our fraud lawyers can advise on extradition proceedings and represent you in extradition hearings.

What is a restraint order?

A restraint order freezes your assets during a fraud investigation. Our lawyers can challenge restraint orders and apply for living expenses to be released.

Will I go to prison for fraud?

Not all fraud cases result in prison. Factors include the value of the fraud, your role, and whether you have previous convictions. Our fraud lawyers will fight to achieve the best possible outcome, including avoiding custody where possible.

Call now: 020 7193 5316

Email: enquiries@cglawdefence.co.uk

Offices:

• Mayfair: 12 Hay Hill, London W1J 8NR
• Watford: The Junction, Station Road, Watford WD17 1ET

Free initial consultation. Fixed fee pricing available. Payment plans for complex cases.