Prosecution Drops Case in Major Film Industry VAT Fraud Trial After Libertas Defence

Libertas Chambers Secures Successful Defence in Multi-Million Pound VAT Fraud Case involving the Film Industry

Three of our silks and three of our senior juniors represented the lead defendants in this trial at Southwark, which followed a ten year investigation by HMRC. We represented the CEO and key employees of this London based multi-Oscar winning company. This was a complex case involving sub-contracting in film industry both in the UK and overseas.

Our barristers mounted a comprehensive attack upon the disclosure system in this prosecution, which consisted of millions of documents. This involved detailed analysis and criticism of the handling of documentary and digital material. We also uncovered wholesale failures to comply with HMRC internal procedures in relation to the distinction between civil and criminal investigations, and the consequences that flow in relation to PACE rights and abuse of process. The trial was opened to the jury 6 weeks ago and they were then sent away whilst these issues were litigated. The prosecution offered no evidence today, 14th March 2025.

This outcome underscores Libertas Chambers’ commitment to providing outstanding legal representation and defending our clients fearlessly with skill, precision, and integrity, in the most challenging and high-stakes cases. Our team continues to set a standard of excellence in corporate and financial crime litigation, and we are very pleased to have successfully safeguarded the interests of our clients in this significant case.

Our barristers worked as formidable teams with the expert assistance and preparation of the solicitors listed below. We thank them for their instructions. Their skill, experience and expertise was an indispensable and integral part of the successful outcome.

Simon Csoka KC and Roxanne Morrell acted for the CEO, and were instructed originally by Tony Barnfather and then Simon Morgan (Sherrards.)

Felicity Gerry KC and Matthew Lawson acted for the Head of Accounts, and were instructed by Zeeshan Khan (Rahman Ravelli.)

Ayaz Qazi KC and Jonathan Page acted for the Accounting Manager, and were instructed by John Kaye (Carson Kaye.)

For further information, please contact our clerking team