R v Q
Katie is defending her client charged with a sophisticated and high-value fraudulent trading and money laundering offences arising out of a 6-year investigation into the activities of an investment company.
A financial investigation was undertaken by Trading Standards, covering the period between May 2008, when the company was incorporated, and November 2018, when the Crown Court at St Albans granted a restraint order in respect of the company’s assets.
The total turnover during that period, after excluding cheques that were returned unpaid and funds being moved between the company’s account, is £32.7m. After excluding payments made back to consumers, the company’s benefit is estimated to be £30.4m.
Hertfordshire County Council prosecutes this case. The evidence from consumers who have provided witness statements, who represent a small proportion of the company’s overall customer base, relates to purchases of wine exceeding £7 million.
