VAT Fraud

Narita Bahra KC represented the first defendant in an alleged joint enterprise to flood the UK with tons of illegal cigarettes, seeking to evade duty and VAT in excess of million pounds.

HMRC, the prosecuting body,  maintained that exceptionally, the main players, in an international crime ring had been apprehended.

HMRC investigators uncovered the smuggling ring after working closely with UK Border Force and the National Crime Agency.

The Crown alleged Narita’s client played a leading role in the logistics and distribution of the UK arm of the international operation. The route for the alleged smuggling was via Russia, Eastern Europe and Polish transportation.  

Narita’s client was the only leading role defendant, acquitted post trial.