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Serious Fraud

Furlough Fraud Solicitors

Being found guilty of making fraudulent claims under the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is a serious offence. If you are accused of committing furlough fraud, working with a specialist criminal defence solicitor is fundamental to securing a positive outcome for your case.

 

During the lockdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses were unable to operate at their normal capacity. To help compensate for this, the government set up the CJRS. Under the scheme, the government would provide grants to employers to pay up to 80% of an employee’s wage, allowing them to retain and continue to pay staff.

The rules and regulations surrounding furlough leave were extremely strict. Whilst the scheme was in operation, and since its conclusion, many employers have been found guilty of committing furlough fraud, even where they originally applied for the scheme for legitimate reasons.

At JD Spicer Zeb, we have a team of dedicated fraud specialists who regularly support businesses accused of committing furlough fraud. We are in the strongest position to provide practical advice and build a robust defence against the allegations you are facing.

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There is limited recourse for you if you are falsely accused. Click a selection of the cases we have covered. The best thing you can do is to instruct an excellent solicitor from the outset.

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Our focus will always be to help you avoid a conviction for a furlough fraud offence, such as fraud by false representation or fraud by failure to disclose information. That said, in cases where this is simply not possible, we will take every measure to make sure that any penalties you do face are mitigated as far as possible.

If you are under investigation for furlough fraud, you will usually have the option of instructing a duty solicitor to represent you. We would instead always encourage you to work with our expert solicitors, who have substantial experience in handling even the most complex fraud cases.

No matter the circumstances, it is vital that you do not answer any police questions without a solicitor being present.

Our furlough fraud solicitors provide:

  • 24/7 legal support in person and over the phone, 365 days a year
  • Representation anywhere in England or Wales
  • Accredited Police Station Representatives to support you during a police interview
  • Clear, effective legal advice in any language (see our languages spoken)

Speak to our furlough fraud solicitors today

For a free initial consultation on your legal position and the available options, contact our local offices in LondonBirmingham or Manchester.

For urgent advice at any time of day or night regarding furlough fraud, please call our Emergency Number 07836 577 556.

Our expertise with furlough fraud

As a firm, we have over 45 years worth of experience. This means that we have been able to work alongside countless individuals on a wide variety of fraud cases, all with their own circumstances and requirements. We have been recognised for our industry-leading expertise, which means we are able to provide bespoke advice that is tailored to your furlough fraud case.

The penalties for furlough fraud can be very serious, even resulting in prison sentences in some cases. This serves to highlight the importance of having the right legal representation if you find out that you are being investigated for suspected furlough fraud.

Our criminal defence team includes several police station representatives who will be available to provide support on a 24/7 basis.

We have previously been able to positive outcomes for many of our clients facing serious fraud charges, including where court proceedings have been launched as part of an investigation. If a Magistrates or Crown Court case is launched, our team have the necessary expertise to build a strong defence.

Additionally, we have also built strong relationships with many of the country’s leading specialist fraud barristers. By having these relationships in place, you can be certain that you will always receive the highest standard of legal representation, no matter what your circumstances may be.

Facing a HMRC furlough fraud investigation can a daunting and distressing prospect. As such, our specialist furlough fraud solicitors will be certain to provide you with close personal support while your case is ongoing.

We are accredited by the Law Society for Criminal Litigation and have also achieved Lexcel accreditation, reflecting the high standards of our legal practice.

As a testament to the high standards of client care our team provides, we frequently receive referrals and recommendations from clients who have been satisfied with our legal services which we have been providing for over 45 years.

Pre-charge bail

If you are interviewed by the police as part of a furlough fraud investigation, you may be released on pre-charge bail. This is also simply referred to as being released on bail.

While you are on pre-charge bail, you are likely to be subject to certain bail conditions. These could restrict where you are able to go, or place requirements on you to attend the police station on a certain day.

To find out more in relation to pre-charge bail, please use the links provided below:

Fees and funding

We are transparent on costs at all times, no matter your circumstances.

Legal aid public funding will be available in some cases, based on the seriousness of the case justifying the grant of public funding.

For clients who do not qualify for legal aid public funding, the alternative option will be to fund their case privately.

To find out more about the way we handle fees (both legal aid public funding and private fees), please use the links provided below:

Related offences

Please note that our expert solicitors also provide advice and support with various related offences, including:

Common questions about furlough fraud

Are HMRC still investigating furlough fraud?

While the CJRS was withdrawn on 29 October 2021, HRMC still have law enforcement capabilities which enable it to investigate allegations of furlough fraud.

What is the penalty for furlough fraud?

The penalty you could receive for furlough depends on the value of the alleged fraud, the role that you played and what charges are brought forward. It also depends on whether a case is held in the Magistrates or Crown Court.

If a case is held in the Magistrates you could face up to 12 months’ imprisonment, while if a case is heard in the Crown Court you could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Alongside a term of imprisonment, you could also receive a fine.

What is the misuse of furlough?

There are several potential examples of a misuse of furlough which could amount to furlough fraud. These include:

  • Making a legitimate claim for furlough but then failing to update employee details (such as an employee returning to work)
  • Claiming furlough but then having an employee continue to work
  • Claiming furlough for employees who do not exist

Can I be prosecuted for working on furlough?

Individuals who worked while they were on furlough leave would not be held responsible. It is the employer’s responsibility to make sure that they did not work, which means that they will be the ones who could face prosecution.

Contact our furlough fraud solicitors now

If you are due to attend the police station for interview for allegations of furlough fraud, or require any urgent specialist advice, immediate representation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

You can contact a member of our dedicated team of criminal defence lawyers in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 legal representation for furlough fraud cases

Please get in touch for a free initial consultation with one of our expert furlough fraud solicitors, as well as for immediate advice and representation.

For immediate representation and advice, you can contact our Emergency Number: 07836 577 556 and we will provide you with the urgent assistance you need.

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      • Umar Zeb
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  • Lisa Nicol
      • Lisa Nicol
      • Managing Partner - Head of Crime & Serious Cases
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