Criminal Defence in a multi- million pound conspiracy to money launder case in which a custodial sentence was avoided: R-v-G & Others

G instructed David Phillips and Partners criminal defence lawyers to defend him in a charge of involvement in a multi- million pound money laundering case. As a result of our involvement the court accepted that G had made only £80, so sentenced him to community punishment instead of a custodial sentence.

G was accused of involvement in a corporate fraud matter. Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”) investigated the VAT fraud and money laundering operation which they alleged ran into many millions of pounds.

HMRC alleged that G helped transfer hundreds of thousands of pounds, the proceeds of the VAT fraud, by moving the money from companies to a “Hawala banker”. We investigated the evidence and interviewed those involved. It became clear that, although G was involved in large transactions, he personally received only £80. As G’s criminal solicitors, we obtained evidence and prepared mitigation on his behalf to support this.

As a result of the work done by David Phillips and Partners’ criminal solicitors G was able to satisfy the court that he received very little benefit from his involvement, and received a community punishment order instead of a custodial sentence as a result.