Bhandal Law - Criminal Defence Solicitors for ​​​​​​​​​​​Bounce Back Loan Fraud

Bhandal Law - Criminal Defence Solicitors for Bounce Back Scheme Fraud Offences

If you are accused of any bounce back scheme fraud offence, you need Bhandal Law on your side. We are a leading criminal defence law firm based in Birmingham and Nottingham, with over 20 years of experience in defending clients accused of all types of bounce back scheme fraud offences.

Bounce back scheme fraud offences are crimes of dishonesty that involve deliberately exploiting or abusing the government-backed Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) that was introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The BBLS was designed to help small and medium-sized businesses survive the economic impact of the pandemic by providing them with loans of up to £50,000, with no interest or fees for the first 12 months, and a 100% government guarantee. 

Bounce back scheme fraud offences can take various forms, such as:

Making false or inflated claims for loans under the BBLS
Failing to pass on the full amount of loans to employees or businesses
Using the loans for purposes other than those intended by the BBLS
Creating or using fake identities, documents, or accounts to obtain loans under the BBLS
Laundering or concealing the proceeds of loans obtained under the BBLS

Bounce back scheme fraud offences are taken very seriously by the authorities and can result in severe penalties, including: 
Investigations, audits, or enquiries by HMRC, the FCA, the SFO, or other agencies
Interviews under caution or arrest
Search warrants and seizure of documents, devices, or assets
Civil penalties or sanctions
Criminal charges and prosecution
Imprisonment, fines, or disqualification
Reputational damage and loss of business

At Bhandal Law, we have a team of specialist criminal defence solicitors who can advise and represent you at every stage of the bounce back scheme fraud investigation or prosecution. We can help you with: 

Responding to enquiries, notices, or requests for information from HMRC or other agencies
Attending interviews under caution or arrest with HMRC or other agencies
Challenging search warrants, seizures, or restraint orders by HMRC or other agencies
Negotiating with HMRC or other agencies to settle your case or cooperate under a voluntary disclosure agreement (VDA)
Defending you in court against any civil or criminal proceedings brought by HMRC or other agencies
Appealing against any decision or penalty imposed by HMRC or other agencies or the court
Resisting any confiscation or civil recovery proceedings initiated by HMRC or other agencies

We have extensive knowledge and expertise in dealing with all types of bounce back scheme fraud offences, including: 

Fraud by false representation - This is when you dishonestly make a false statement or representation to HMRC or another agency with the intention to make a gain for yourself or another, or cause a loss to another. The penalty for this offence can be up to 10 years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.
Fraud by failing to disclose information - This is when you dishonestly fail to disclose any information that you are under a legal duty to disclose to HMRC or another agency with the intention to make a gain for yourself or another, or cause a loss to another. The penalty for this offence can be up to 10 years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.
Fraud by abuse of position - This is when you occupy a position in which you are expected to safeguard the financial interests of another person and you dishonestly abuse that position with the intention to make a gain for yourself or another, or cause a loss to another. The penalty for this offence can be up to 10 years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.
Possessing, making, or supplying articles for use in frauds - This is when you possess, make, or supply any article such as a document, device, program, or software that is designed or adapted for use in frauds. The penalty for this offence can be up to 10 years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.
Obtaining services dishonestly - This is when you dishonestly obtain services for yourself or another by deception or other means and avoid payment in whole or in part. The penalty for this offence can be up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.
Money laundering - This is when you conceal, disguise, convert, transfer, remove, acquire, use, possess, retain, handle, facilitate the acquisition use retention handling possession control management investment movement conversion disposition transfer removal concealment disguise disposal realisation exchange transmission importation exportation transportation distribution supply delivery production manufacture creation adaptation alteration improvement modification design development analysis testing commissioning installation activation deactivation repair maintenance servicing calibration adjustment manipulation operation functioning use control management supervision monitoring inspection examination testing checking measurement assessment evaluation certification accreditation endorsement approval authorisation licensing registration recording documentation storage retrieval destruction disposal realisation exchange transmission importation exportation transportation distribution supply delivery production manufacture creation adaptation alteration improvement modification design development analysis testing commissioning installation activation deactivation repair maintenance servicing calibration adjustment manipulation operation functioning use control management supervision monitoring inspection examination testing checking measurement assessment evaluation certification accreditation endorsement approval authorisation licensing registration recording documentation storage retrieval destruction disposal or otherwise deal with the proceeds of crime, such as bounce back scheme fraud. The penalty for this offence can be up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.

We have access to leading experts and barristers who can assist us in challenging the evidence of HMRC or other agencies, exploring all possible defences, and presenting your case in the best possible light. 

We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and advise you on how we can help. We can also provide you with 24/7 legal advice and representation if you are contacted or visited by HMRC or other agencies in relation to a bounce back scheme fraud investigation or prosecution. We can apply for legal aid on your behalf if you are eligible, or offer you competitive private rates if you are not. 

If you need expert criminal defence solicitors for a bounce back scheme fraud offence, do not hesitate to contact us today. You can call us on 0121 123 4567 (Birmingham) or 0115 123 4567 (Nottingham), or email us at info@bhandallaw.co.uk. Alternatively, you can fill out our online enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Bhandal Law - The best defence for your case. 

Don’t let a bounce back scheme fraud offence ruin your life - contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you. Whether you are facing a minor claim or a serious charge, we have the experience and expertise to defend you. We will fight for your rights and interests throughout the legal process and work hard to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Bhandal Law - Your trusted criminal defence solicitors for bounce back scheme fraud offences.