Associate Partner Ben Leech, who works in the crime division for Farleys in Blackburn, recently secured an acquittal for one of his clients at Liverpool Crown Court. This gentleman had been involved in a multi-handed conspiracy case dating back seven years, to 2016.
The investigation and prosecution of this case was done by HMRC and their Specialist Fraud Division. This was connected to an allegation that consignments of unmanufactured, raw tobacco had been imported into the UK with the alleged intention that duty, in excess of £4 million, be evaded.
The case commenced in 2016 when a HMRC investigation was launched against the offender. The initial investigation was an alleged conspiracy against Ben’s client and others. In which they allegedly facilitated the importation of tobacco. In this multi-million-pound case they were believed to have packaged and distributed these counterfeit tobacco products.
Ben represented his client from when he was on arrest in 2017, and the two maintained a working relationship throughout the lengthy investigation stage, which lasted for almost four years.
In January 2021, Ben’s client was charged, although he maintained his innocence throughout the investigation. A number of others were also charged in connection to the multi-million-pound tobacco conspiracy.
In the last week of March 2023, Ben Leech secured his clients acquittal, following a 5-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court. Others charged in connection to case were also given acquittal.
If you are looking for advice or have been convicted of a crime, our criminal law specialists have wealth of experience to assist you at this challenging time. Get in touch with the team today to discuss how we can help. Call 0845 287 0939, contact us by email, or use the online chat below.
