Retrial secured in £7 Million Furlough Fraud Prosecution
The jury has been discharged following an 11-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court concerning an alleged Covid-19 furlough fraud.
Daniel Cundy and Naureen Shariff represented a businessman accused of cheating the public revenue. The case related to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which allowed employers to claim 80% of wages—up to £2,500 per month—for employees unable to work due to the pandemic.
It was alleged that the defendant submitted over 4,000 furlough claims within a seven-week period in early 2020 on behalf of workers who were not eligible under the scheme.
The prosecution claimed this resulted in the defendant fraudulently obtaining nearly £7 million from HM Revenue & Customs. However, the jury was unable to reach a verdict.
Instructed Counsel were David Walbank KC of Red Lion Chambers and Chantel Gaber of 25 Bedford Row.
Daniel Cundy specialises in white-collar criminal defence and is regularly instructed to advise and to defend in large and complex cases, which involve allegations of corporate wrongdoing, corruption, bribery, sanctions breaches, corporate and personal tax evasion, VAT and duty evasion and allegations of serious fraud.
Naureen Shariff specialises in defending those embroiled in white-collar crime, complex money laundering, fraud, bribery and corruption, confiscation proceedings and restraint orders.
Blackfords LLP are nationally and internationally recognised experts in dispute resolution and assist clients with business, white-collar, financial and economic crime issues as well as disputes between parties and organisations. We can offer assistance with all dispute resolution matters, please call any of our key contacts on 03330 150150.
