Fraud & Criminal Investigations

We will need to be vigilant against potential fraud as post-pandemic liquidations and bankruptcies begin to rise. This article highlights some of the red flags that forensic accountants look out for that can indicate potential fraud in the insolvency process.

Furlough Fraud is a problem that is and will continue for many years to be an issue for Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs. How has furlough fraud been carried out? What are the penalties for furlough fraud and how does HMRC investigate? What action should I take now to prepare for an HMRC audit?

More than 12 months ago we warned that the completion of a simple 2 page self-certification form online would result in a plethora of fraudulent claims. Our worst fears have been confirmed. Bounce Back Loan fraud is being forecast at more than half the £43bn lent.

Everyone seems to be talking about cryptocurrency these days, but many are unsure how to define it and fewer still know exactly how it works. In this blog, we attempt to answer two fundamental questions.

The Criminal Finances Act 2017 was introduced to recover ill-gotten gains from criminal activity but, because of the relative ease of obtaining these orders, the authorities are using these orders in civil recovery as an alternative to bringing criminal charges.

Confiscation proceedings are conducted under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). POCA is designed to deprive a convicted defendant of the financial benefits gained through criminal conduct, thereby having a deterrent effect.

The growth in the number of Private Prosecutions reflects an inability of state bodies, as currently resourced, to meet demand. Many crimes which could be prosecuted are not. This, in many cases, leaves victims looking for alternative remedies, of which Private Prosecutions are one.