Proceeds of Crime
Our team of forensic accountants are regularly instructed to assist in the financial investigative aspects in criminal matters where it has been alleged that proceeds have been gained from criminal activity.
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) was launched as a tool by prosecutors to assist in the recovery of assets as a result of criminal activity.
It is common place now that the aim of the CPS is to take away the profits made from criminal activity, either through asset recovery or Confiscation Orders.
Forensic Accounting Services - Call 0113 387 5670
In order to establish the level of benefit gained from alleged criminal activities, the CPS conducts investigations into the Defendant’s financial affairs, generally the investigations are centred on income / profits and property. However, difficulties arise when identifying the source of benefits gained, and this is where our forensic accounting expertise can assist.
Our forensic accountants are instructed by criminal solicitors and barristers to assist in preparing detailed evidence to accurately reflect the financial aspects in a wide range of POCA cases across the UK. Our forensic accounting expertise is applied to analyse and consider the prosecution’s evidence and provide expert testimony to highlight areas of disagreement and agreement with the case presented.
POCA Accountants
Areas in which we can assist in both Initial and Confiscation cases include:
- Considering financial evidence in support of an Indictment;
- Considering potential evidence against the case;
- Provide services as Experts – Expert reports; conferences with Counsel; preparing Joint Statements; and attending Court.
- Consider Section 16 Statements;
- Collate Section 17 responses;
We are happy to undertake work in this area at Legal Aid rates and to discuss quotes.
For information about how Forths Forensic Accountants can assist in Proceeds of Crime (POCA) cases, contact a member of our team on 0113 387 5670.
Alternatively you can send an email to enquiries@forthsonline.co.uk or fill out an Enquiry Form and a member of our team will contact you at the earliest possible convenience.
Recent tax changes announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt may mean that any future loss calculations may require review. If you have an ongoing case that we have assisted with, we would be happy to discuss this with you. Likewise, for any potential new instructions we are always happy to have an initial chat. National Insurance Cuts On 6th January 2024 cuts to National Insurance rates will come into effect for employed Claimants: The main NI rate is being cut from 12% to 10%. From April 2024 for self employed Claimants: Class 4 NI rate will reduce from 9% to 8%, and; Class 2 NI contributions will be scrapped. The changes will affect future Loss of Earnings calculations. State Pension Changes There will also be a rise in State Pension of 8.5% from April 2024. Losses to State Pension are considered on a case by case basis. How We Can Assist Our experienced team assist with Loss of Earnings, Pension Loss and Loss of Dependency elements in all types of PI, Clinical Negligence and Fatal cases. Our approach is to ensure that your client’s Special Damages are optimised. We offer flexible solutions and reporting styles depending on the case requirements, and can assist you in the information discovery process. We are also happy to liaise directly with clients to assist in the progress of the case. For more information about our hourly rates for Expert CPR or White Label / Agency Services, and deferred payment terms, talk to our team. Contact us here Call us on 0113 387 5670 Email - enquiries@forthsonline.co.uk
In the 2023 budget, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced fundamental changes to the Annual Allowance and Life Time Allowance charges for pensions savers. What are The Allowances? The Annual Allowance is the amount that an individual can pay into their pension scheme (both their own and their employer contributions) each year before paying Tax on the contributions made. The Life Time Allowance is the total amount an individual’s pension fund can be before they pay additional Taxes on their pension benefits. What Has Changed? The Annual Allowance has increased from £40,000 per annum to £60,000 per annum. The Lifetime Allowance, which was £1,073,100, has been abolished. What Does This Mean for Your Client? If you have a high earning client (often in the public sector where employer contributions are more generous), then your current calculation of lost pension benefits may include deductions for tax under both the Annual and Lifetime Allowance schemes and so may now be materially understated. How Can We Help? Our team have vast experience in assessing pension loss claims for all types of occupations and are fully au fait with the changes to the Tax rules from April. We would be happy to carry out a review of your pension loss calculations either on a stand alone basis or in conjunction with other relevant heads of claim.
Contact us today to find out how we can assist you...
To hear more about our Forensic Accounting Services or to discuss a potential case with a member of our team, call us on 0113 387 5670.
Alternatively, you can email us at enquiries@forthsonline.co.uk or fill out an Enquiry Form and we will contact you directly.