Criminal fraud

Our solicitors also defend individuals, company directors, and businesses against prosecution for offences under the Theft Act 1968, the Fraud Act 2006, and the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. These are serious criminal allegations, and we build a rigorous defence in each case.

False Accounting (Section 17, Theft Act 1968) Dishonestly falsifying, concealing or producing misleading accounting records or documents with a view to gain or to cause loss. Where this is done by a company with the consent of a director or officer, that individual may also be liable under section 18 of the Theft Act 1968.

False Statements by Company Directors (Section 19, Theft Act 1968) Publishing, or agreeing to publish, a written statement or account that is misleading, false or deceptive in a material way, with intent to deceive the members or creditors of the company.

Dishonestly Retaining a Wrongful Credit (Section 24A, Theft Act 1968) Dishonestly failing to take reasonable steps to cancel a wrongful credit made to an account.

Participating in a Fraudulent Business (Section 9, Fraud Act 2006) Knowingly being party to carrying on the business of a sole trader or other non-company business with intent to defraud creditors, or for any fraudulent purpose.

Corporate Offences (Section 196, Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023) A company or partnership may be criminally liable for an economic-crime offence committed by a senior manager acting within the scope of their authority.

We represent clients under investigation and facing prosecution for these offences, protecting their rights and pursuing the strongest available defence.