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Decoding White-Collar Crime & Fraud
Since our establishment twenty-seven years ago, KANGS has built a reputation of representing clients in white-collar fraud, regulatory and tax litigation matters. We have earned numerous accolades and hold the highest rankings in the prestigious legal directories such as Chambers UK and the Legal 500 where we have the coveted ‘Top Tier’ status for the defence of White Collar Crime, Fraud Litigation and Proceeds of Crime investigations.
KANGS represents a diverse array of corporate and individual clients across the spectrum of white-collar crime, including regulatory and financial fraud investigations conducted by all the leading law enforcements agencies in the UK including the SFO, FCA, HMRC, NCA and the CMA.
It is important that individuals and organisations know their rights when facing allegations of wrongdoing, and safeguarding those rights are what motivates the team at KANGS. We provide proactive guidance and assistance to clients who suspect they might be under potential investigation by police or regulatory authorities. We will also act as an interface on our client’s behalf with the police, investigators, and prosecuting authorities.
KANGS has proven success and a nationwide reputation for defending clients facing criminal prosecutions of all types including very complex fraud offences. Our renowned team provide guidance and support during the often protracted investigation stage as well as in proceedings before the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Tax Tribunal.
Exploring Types of White-Collar Crime
White-collar crime typically refers to non-violent offences usually committed by individuals or organisations in business or a professional setting, and often financially motivated. These crimes are brought about by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust, and they are usually carried out by people in positions of authority or trust within corporations, government agencies, or other institutions. Examples of white-collar crime include embezzlement, different types of fraud from bank and insurance fraud to mortgage fraud and identity theft. Money laundering, bribery and corruption, and securities fraud are often high on the list white-collar crimes, and they can have significant financial, social, and economic impacts, often resulting in substantial financial losses for victims. Punishments for white-collar crimes can result in fines as well as imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence. In this focussed article we layout common types of white-collar crime often driven by the pursuit of financial gain. Tax Fraud & HMRC Investigations Illegally avoiding paying taxes owed to the government through misrepresentation or concealment of financial information is a typical financially driven offence. This form of white-collar crime may result in a HMRC Civil Tax Fraud Investigation. A tax investigation is a check that HMRC performs under which it reviews the tax payment and reporting history of any self-employed individual, employee or company. HMRC, being responsible for the collection of taxes, possesses the right to perform checks on any individual or business to ensure that they pay the right amount of tax. The jurisdiction of HMRC includes all taxes, including investigations relating to:- Capital Gains Tax
- Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
- Corporation Tax
- Income Tax and National Insurance
- VAT
- Kittel and MTIC Investigations
- Existence of undeclared offshore funds and assets
- Under declaration of personal income
- Suppression of business turnover
- Non-disclosure of worldwide income
- Allegations of fraud central to the tax dispute
- Money laundering
- Bribery & Corruption
- Market Manipulation & Insider Dealing