Solicitor Jailed For Pocketing Stamp Duty

Mr Rogers, a solicitor from Leeds, changed conveyancing documents in order to deceive the tax authorities. As a consequence he  pocketed the difference between the amount the client paid the higher amount owed to HMRC.

The discrepancy was £133,000 and this month Mr Rogers, the owner of Rogers & Co Solicitors in Leeds, was jailed.

The fraud affected transactions affecting eight properties. He was subsequently "caught" after refusing to hand over the paperwork to support his claims.

Rogers also submitted false VAT refund claims totaling more than £79,000 during the space of 2 months.

Jo Tyler, Assistant Director, HMRC explained how Mr Rogers would have known what would happen if he got caught, yet still he proceeded with his actions. "To abuse the trust of clients and employees was a despicable act, trying to steal money that had been paid by them in good faith to meet their tax liabilities."

Mr Rogers was charged with two counts of cheating the public revenue and was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

If you need to speak to a solicitor about a sale, purchase, remortgage, transfer of equity or any other conveyancing related matter please call our Preston Solicitors on 01772 882 888 or email info@ellencourt.com

Ellen Court Solicitors

Preston Conveyancing Solicitors

Tel: 01772 882 888