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Midlands accountant jailed for tax fraud

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21st Oct 2013
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A Coventry-based accountant who altered his clients' tax returns and lied about his own financial affairs to steal £186,500 has been jailed for two years.

Akeel Mirza was charged with five counts of fraud by false representation and one count of cheating the public revenue.

Between January and August last year the 27-year old accountant used doctored client documents to claim tax refunds of more than £140,000. When one client became suspicious, he paid back some of the money to HMRC, claiming he had made a mistake.

In addition, when Mirza moved from London to Coventry he also falsely claimed his own business was in trouble and that it had made substantial losses, claiming refunds totalling £46,500.

He was arrested at his home on 23 August 2012, charged and then sentenced on 18 October 2013.

During the sentencing at Warwickshire Justice Centre, recorder Mr Tickle said: “Your greed, arrogance, and selfishness motivated you to commit the fraud.”

Paul Barton, assistant director of investigation at HMRC, said: “This was blatant theft by an accountant who abused his position of trust and used his specialist knowledge to fraudulently line his own pockets. His employer and clients were totally unaware of his criminal behaviour.

“This prosecution reinforces our effectiveness in the crackdown to uncover and bring before the courts those involved in tax evasion and fraud.”

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Replies (5)

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By The Black Knight
23rd Oct 2013 12:47

employer?

Employer?

Wonder how that worked? Did the firm not have safeguards in place.

Own business? Which was it? or both

Professional Body? out of interest?

They're not very bright these criminals.

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By KrisKros
23rd Oct 2013 13:18

Might not be Bright...

...But in two years he will possibly repeat the actions or 14 months good behaviour. I hope all his significant assets were seized!!

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Replying to Justin Bryant:
David Winch
By David Winch
23rd Oct 2013 14:13

Early release

KrisKros wrote:

...But in two years he will possibly repeat the actions or 14 months good behaviour. I hope all his significant assets were seized!!

With a bit of luck he will be out of prison next summer on a 'tag'.

The likelihood is though that he will be subject to confiscation proceedings.

I understand that he pleaded guilty.  That means he would have received a longer sentence if he had been convicted following a jury trial.

David

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7om
By Tom 7000
24th Oct 2013 14:05

Behind bars...

The chap in the photo looks older than 27...

Are you sure thats Akeel Mirza?

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Replying to Tim Vane:
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By The Black Knight
24th Oct 2013 14:21

LOL

Tom 7000 wrote:

The chap in the photo looks older than 27...

Are you sure thats Akeel Mirza?

He's been guilty on accounting web ten times too!

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