Industry first: SOCA drafts in Provisional Liquidator to collect tax
Ian Defty at Kingston Smith & Partners appointed
The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), is for the first time utilising the powers of a Provisional Liquidator to assist it in collecting outstanding tax due. On 21 May 2012, Ian Defty of Kingston Smith and Partners LLP, the Corporate Recovery arm of accountancy firm Kingston Smith LLP, was appointed provisional liquidator of foreign exchange company, Credit Lucky Limited.
The order was made by the High Court on the application of the Serious Organised Crime Agency, the law enforcement organisation of the UK Government, following the presentation of a petition to wind up the company in respect of outstanding tax liabilities. This petition is yet to be heard.
On the same day as the appointment of Ian Defty, the Metropolitan Police executed search warrants at numerous addresses across the UK in respect of the company and others.
Mr Defty, a partner at Kingston Smith & Partners, commented: “Whilst understandably my enquires are at an early stage, I will be seeking the assistance of those involved in the company, as well as the law enforcement bodies, to ascertain the reasons behind the company accruing the petition debt of some £1.7 million.”
Credit Lucky Limited traded as a foreign exchange from premises across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
If anyone has information that may assist, they are asked to contact one of the following:
Kingston Smith & Partners LLP – Tel: 01727 896 015
Metropolitan Police investigation team – Email: sodergren@met.police.uk
Crimestoppers – Tel: 0800 555111 or visit: www.crimestoppers-uk.org