Taxation

The Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) conducts tax investigations throughout the UK, according to the terms set out in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. In such cases the Director of the ARA must have reasonable grounds to suspect that an individual has income, gain or profit as a result of either their own criminal activity or that of another person. The Director then assumes the role of HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to carry out a full investigation. This role also extends to corporation tax where profits arise from a company’s or another person’s criminal conduct.

The agency has published separate guidance on the conduct of its tax cases and any individual or company whose tax affairs are being investigated by ARA are advised to check this guidance and not rely on guidance from HMRC.