Expert Legal Defence for Business Crime Allegations
At Axis Solicitors, we offer strategic, trusted legal support to individuals and companies facing business crime investigations or charges. Whether you’re under inquiry for fraud, money laundering, regulatory breaches, or professional misconduct, our expert solicitors deliver clear, personalised defence tailored to your circumstances.
Business Crime Solicitors
At Axis Solicitors, we understand that business involves huge risks and we are always here for you.
Business crime investigations can cause immediate damage to your reputation, operations, and financial stability. At Axis Solicitors, we offer expert legal representation in complex business crime matters—defending professionals, companies, and directors under investigation or facing prosecution. Whether you’re being interviewed under caution, subject to regulatory scrutiny, or facing criminal charges, we act swiftly and strategically to safeguard your rights.
Categories of Business Crimes
VAT Investigations
VAT fraud and evasion are serious offences that can lead to civil penalties or criminal prosecution.
Tax Investigations
Tax investigations by HMRC involve income tax and corporate tax. We help clients manage potential litigation.
Fraud Investigations
Fraud offences can include false accounting, misrepresentation, insider trading, and dishonest business practices.
What Is Business Crime?
Business crime — also known as white-collar crime — refers to non-violent, financially motivated offences committed by individuals, companies, or professionals in a commercial context. These crimes are typically complex, often involving deliberate breaches of regulatory or financial laws to gain unlawful advantage or conceal wrongdoing.
At Axis Solicitors, we specialise in defending clients against serious business crime allegations across sectors, including finance, retail, construction, healthcare, and technology. In this guide, we explore the definition of business crime, examples of common offences, and how legal representation can protect your rights and interests when facing such accusations.
Business crime encompasses a wide range of offences that occur within a corporate or professional environment. Unlike traditional crimes such as theft or assault, business crimes often involve sophisticated schemes, false reporting, or regulatory evasion.
Offenders may be senior executives, accountants, consultants, or company directors. However, individuals in junior roles — or even third-party associates — may also be implicated through association or poor record-keeping.
Business crimes are prosecuted under UK laws such as the Fraud Act 2006, Bribery Act 2010, Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and various pieces of tax and company legislation. These offences are taken seriously and may result in criminal convictions, financial penalties, disqualification from directorship, or imprisonment.
Types of Business Crime
Axis Solicitors defends against a broad spectrum of business crime allegations. Below are some of the most commonly investigated offences:
1. Fraud
Fraud is one of the most common forms of business crime. It involves dishonestly making a gain, or causing a loss, through deception or abuse of position.
Examples include:
- False accounting or financial reporting
- Payroll fraud
- Investment fraud or Ponzi schemes
- Insider trading or market manipulation
- Mortgage and insurance fraud
2. Tax Evasion
Failing to report or deliberately concealing taxable income is considered a criminal offence. HMRC may initiate investigations into:
- Understated income
- Offshore tax evasion
- Use of false invoices or expenses
- Non-payment of Corporation Tax, VAT, or PAYE
Even errors made unintentionally can trigger tax investigations, which is why professional legal guidance is vital.
3. VAT Fraud
VAT fraud is a serious business crime that includes schemes such as carousel fraud (Missing Trader Intra-Community fraud), false VAT reclaims, or non-compliance with VAT registration and reporting obligations.
HMRC’s criminal investigations into VAT fraud can result in asset freezing orders, director disqualification, and even custodial sentences.
4. Bribery and Corruption
The Bribery Act 2010 criminalises both giving and receiving bribes. Businesses may also be prosecuted for failing to prevent bribery within their organisation — even if the directors were unaware.
Bribery allegations often arise in procurement, contract bidding, or international operations, particularly in high-risk jurisdictions.
5. Money Laundering
Money laundering involves processing the proceeds of criminal activity through legitimate businesses or financial channels. Firms that handle client funds (e.g. accountants, estate agents, legal professionals) are particularly at risk.
Companies may face investigation if they fail to report suspicious activity or comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
6. Corporate Manslaughter or Regulatory Breaches
In rare but severe cases, companies can face criminal charges where gross negligence results in death or serious harm — such as in industrial accidents. Businesses may also be prosecuted for breaches of health and safety, environmental, or trading standards regulations.
Investigating Authorities and Enforcement Bodies
Business crime investigations in the UK are typically carried out by agencies such as:
- HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
- Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
- Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
- Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
- National Crime Agency (NCA)
- City of London Police – Economic Crime Unit
These bodies have wide powers of investigation, including surveillance, asset seizure, search warrants, and interviews under caution (PACE interviews).
The Impact of Business Crime Allegations
Being accused of a business crime can have serious consequences — both personally and professionally. These include:
- Damage to business reputation
- Frozen bank accounts and confiscation of assets
- Regulatory sanctions or licence loss
- Disqualification from company directorship
- Criminal conviction and imprisonment
- Reputational loss affecting clients, contracts, or investors
Early legal intervention is key to managing the risks, protecting your rights, and preparing an effective defence.
Why Choose Axis Solicitors?
- Specialist Defence Team: We bring years of focused experience in business crime defence and regulatory law.
- Tactical, Early Intervention: We act quickly to contain investigations, control damage, and protect your interests.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: We work with financial experts, IT forensic analysts, and investigators to build the strongest possible defence.
- Discrete Representation: We handle cases with utmost confidentiality and professionalism to protect your reputation.
Detained in the UK?
Our team is here to provide you with the support, assistance, and solutions you need to navigate the process.
Why You Need Legal Assistance in Business Crime Cases
Business crime allegations can lead to severe consequences—including criminal prosecution, asset seizure, reputational harm, and professional disqualification.
Early Intervention Prevents Escalation
Timely legal guidance can prevent investigations from turning into formal charges. A solicitor can engage with authorities early, correct misunderstandings, and limit your exposure.
Complex Evidence Requires Expert Handling
Business crime cases often involve financial records, digital evidence, and regulatory documentation. Skilled legal professionals know how to interpret and challenge complex materials effectively.
Your Rights Must Be Protected
Whether during interviews under caution or search and seizure operations, legal representation ensures that your rights are respected and no procedural errors go unchallenged.
Reputation and Business Interests Are at Stake
Accusations—even unproven—can damage your career, company, or public image. Legal support helps you manage risk discreetly while building a strategic defence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Business crime refers to any illegal act committed in a commercial or corporate context, such as fraud, bribery, or money laundering.
Yes—early legal advice can prevent charges and protect your rights during an investigation.
Yes—under UK law, you can be liable for aiding, abetting, or failing to prevent certain business crimes.
Investigations can last several months to years, depending on the complexity of the case.
In some cases, authorities may apply for freezing or restraint orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Yes—we represent clients across the UK with offices in Manchester, London, and Birmingham.
