An uncooperative accountant from Stanmore has been given a record fine of £25,000 in a historic prosecution. Anil Shah is the first person to be prosecuted by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for failing to comply with a tax fraud investigation, he was sentenced on Wednesday (October 5).
The 66-year-old refused to help HMRC officers investigating suspected tax evasion by his clients, despite being served with the legally binding Disclosure Notices, which requires people to share paperwork and information with HMRC during a criminal investigation.
Shah made a number of false statements including claims he did not act for the clients when questioned by investigators. Shah pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a Disclosure Notice by making a misleading statement in July 2016. He was given the fine at the Old Bailey and has 28 days to pay the fine or face 18 months behind bars.
Simon York, from HMRC's fraud investigation service, said: "As a professional accountant Shah’s role was to offer sound advice to his clients and comply with HMRC regulations.
"Instead he abused his privileged position, knowingly broke the law, and failed in his professional duties.”
Head of the specialist fraud division at the Crown Prosecution Service, Kristin Jones said: "Anil Shah was an accountant who abused his position as a professional adviser and hid his clients’ criminal actions from the public eye. This case demonstrates the repercussions of a refusal to cooperate with the authorities.”
