R v Sm

This case involves serious allegations of conspiracy to defraud the Crown of approximately £3.98 million in unpaid duty and tax. The charges relate to the illegal importation and distribution of tobacco products. Our client is one of seven individuals facing charges under the Fraud Act 2006. We are preparing a rigorous defence at Leicester Crown Court to challenge the prosecution's case and establish reasonable doubt regarding our client's involvement and intent.

Following a coordinated police operation, authorities discovered substantial quantities of non-UK duty paid cigarettes and tobacco products. The goods were found stored in bags, a van, and rented storage units. The seizure included over 5.5 million Richmond Blue King Size cigarettes, over 2.1 million additional cigarettes, 1.35 million NZ Gold Cigarettes, hand-rolling tobacco, and shisha tobacco. The total value of goods seized was approximately £3,979,341.46.

Our client was interviewed by police officers in connection with these findings. He was subsequently charged with conspiracy to defraud His Majesty of duty payable. The prosecution alleges our client conspired with six others to import and distribute these goods with the specific intent to evade customs duty and excise tax owed to the Crown.

The defendant is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Fraud by False Representation and Conspiracy to Defraud. The charge alleges he conspired with 6 co-conspirators to knowingly deal in tobacco products that were illegally imported to avoid payment of duty. This relates to an alleged coordinated scheme to defraud the Crown of its rightful tax revenue.

A conspiracy charge requires the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant: (1) agreed with others to pursue the unlawful course of conduct; (2) knew of the agreement; and (3) intended to participate in it.

Client's Plea: Awaiting trial – no plea yet entered.

Our criminal defence team, led by Solicitor Fosia Jury, represents the defendant at Leicester Crown Court. We work closely with Defence Counsel Irfan Arif to mount a comprehensive defence in this complex multi-party conspiracy case. Our strategy involves a meticulous examination of all evidence linking our client to the alleged conspiracy, including communications, financial records, and testimony from witnesses.

We are investigating whether the prosecution can establish beyond reasonable doubt that our client agreed to participate in the plan and knew its unlawful purpose. We challenge the strength of the prosecution's evidence and the credibility of their witnesses. Our goal is to identify weaknesses in their case and establish reasonable doubt regarding our client's involvement and intent.