FIOD lawyer – Immediate assistance during FIOD investigations
FIOD investigation or raid? Hire a FIOD lawyer immediately
Hiring a FIOD lawyer is crucial when you are confronted with a FIOD investigation or raid. The Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD) takes action in cases of suspected tax and economic fraud. At Farber Zwaanswijk Advocaten, our specialized FIOD lawyers are available 24/7 to assist you during a FIOD raid, interrogation, or summons. We understand that a FIOD investigation is a stressful and invasive experience where your freedom and reputation are at stake.
Whether you have received a summons for a FIOD interrogation, are facing an unexpected FIOD raid, or notice that you may be the subject of an ongoing investigation, immediate legal assistance from an experienced FIOD lawyer is essential. Therefore, contact our office directly: 085 – 017 00 05.
What does a FIOD lawyer do?
A FIOD lawyer is a specialized criminal defense attorney with expertise in the field of tax and economic criminal law. Unlike a regular criminal defense lawyer, our FIOD lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the specific working methods of the FIOD, legislation, and the complex matters surrounding fraud, financial-economic, or tax offenses.
The FIOD is the investigation service of the Tax Authorities and investigates serious forms of various fraud, such as bribery, money laundering, VAT carousel fraud, and other financial-economic offenses. A FIOD investigation is often lengthy, technically complex, and has far-reaching consequences. Therefore, it is of essential importance that you are assisted by a FIOD lawyer who knows the ins and outs of this specialty.
- legal assistance during a FIOD raid: A FIOD lawyer ensures that your rights are respected during the search and that you do not inadvertently make incriminating statements;
- guidance during FIOD interrogation: If you are summoned for an interrogation, a lawyer will accompany you during this session and advise you on your rights and whether or not to answer questions;
- advice on strategy and procedural steps: A specialized FIOD lawyer analyzes your case, discusses various scenarios, and determines the best defense strategy together with you;
- contact with the FIOD and the Public Prosecution Service: Your lawyer consults with the FIOD and the Public Prosecution Service regarding the progress of the investigation, possible settlements, or transactions;
- file analysis and defense: Once the investigation is completed, your FIOD lawyer studies the full case file and prepares a solid defense for the court together with you. Whenever possible, going to court is always avoided.
At Farber Zwaanswijk Advocaten, we possess years of experience in FIOD cases and have a proven track record in defending clients facing a FIOD investigation.
Bank fraud
Suspected of bank fraud and is the FIOD involved? We guide you through interrogation and (impending) seizure, and provide an overview of transactions, roles, and communication.
Tax fraud
FIOD investigation into tax fraud? We guard your position, manage the file strategy, and guide you through interrogation and the further process toward the Public Prosecution Service or the court.
VAT fraud (carousel fraud)
Suspected of carousel fraud and is the FIOD in the picture? We advise on your role in the chain, substantiate your trade, and guide you through interrogation and seizure.
Bankruptcy fraud
Investigation into bankruptcy fraud by the FIOD? We structure your timeline and administration, prepare you for interrogation, and assist you with seizures and follow-up steps.
Forgery
Investigation into forgery by the FIOD? We assess the documents and context, guide you through interrogation, and guard your rights during seizure and prosecution.
When should I hire a FIOD lawyer?
Hiring a FIOD lawyer is essential as soon as you suspect you are involved in a FIOD investigation or as soon as you are actually confronted by the FIOD. The earlier you engage legal assistance, the better you can protect your interests. There are several moments when hiring a specialized FIOD lawyer is necessary.
What to do during a FIOD raid?
- stay calm: A FIOD raid is intimidating, but remain calm and do not make any hasty statements;
- call a lawyer immediately: Contact a specialized FIOD lawyer immediately. We are available 24/7 at 085 – 017 00 05;
- cooperate, but do not make statements: You are required to show your identity and grant the investigative officers access if they can provide the correct documents, but you do not have to answer substantive questions;
- in case of any doubt or if you have not yet been able to speak with a lawyer, invoke your right to remain silent: You have the right to remain silent. Use this right and wait until your lawyer is present before answering questions;
- take notes: Try to keep track as best as possible of what is being seized and which questions are being asked.
An experienced FIOD lawyer can arrive on-site quickly or provide telephone advice on how to conduct yourself during the raid. This prevents you from inadvertently making incriminating statements that could later be used against you.
Why hire a FIOD lawyer for an interrogation?
- preparation is essential: A FIOD lawyer prepares you for the questions that may be asked and discusses with you what information you should or should not share;
- use your right to remain silent: As a suspect, you have the right to remain silent. Your FIOD lawyer will advise you on when to exercise this right;
- privilege as a witness: As a witness, you can invoke your right to refuse to give evidence in certain cases, for example, to avoid incriminating yourself or your relatives;
- presence during the interrogation: Your lawyer is present during the FIOD interrogation to represent your interests and ensure that the interrogation proceeds correctly.
An interrogation without adequate preparation can have serious consequences. Statements you make cannot be retracted later and will be used as evidence in a criminal case. A specialized FIOD lawyer ensures that you are optimally prepared.
Sometimes you only notice you are the subject of a FIOD investigation when the FIOD is at your doorstep. But in other cases, there may be various reasons why you think you are the subject of an investigation. In this phase as well, it is wise to hire a FIOD lawyer immediately.
Benefits of preventive engagement:
- proactive strategy: A FIOD lawyer can advise at an early stage and potentially contact the FIOD and the Public Prosecution Service to clarify your position;
- damage control: By taking action early, potential aggravating circumstances can be limited;
- legal advice: Your FIOD lawyer advises you on which steps to take and what you must absolutely avoid during the investigation.
When does the FIOD come?
The FIOD takes action when there is a suspicion of serious tax or economic fraud. The FIOD is the investigation service of the Tax Authorities and its core task is to detect and investigate tax and financial-economic offenses. But when exactly does the FIOD take action?
- combating tax, financial, and economic fraud: The FIOD acts in cases of suspected tax evasion, VAT fraud, carousel fraud, bribery, and other forms of fraud;
- ensuring the integrity of professional and business life: The FIOD investigates, among other things, forgery, money laundering, and corruption;
- combating organized crime: The FIOD plays an important role in tackling criminal organizations involved in large-scale financial-economic crime.
- tax fraud: Intentionally paying too little tax, for example, by concealing turnover or inflating non-existent costs.
- VAT fraud (carousel fraud): Misusing VAT regulations by trading goods within the EU without paying VAT.
- bankruptcy fraud: Withdrawing assets from a bankrupt company or intentionally causing a bankruptcy.
- forgery: Falsifying invoices, administration, or other documents to evade tax.
- money laundering: Concealing the criminal origin of money or goods.
The FIOD starts an investigation based on reports, signals from the Tax Authorities, tips from third parties, or information from other criminal investigations. As soon as you notice that the FIOD is interested in you, it is advisable to hire a FIOD lawyer immediately.
How long does a FIOD investigation last?
A frequently asked question is: how long does a FIOD investigation last? The answer is not straightforward, as the duration of a FIOD investigation depends heavily on the complexity of the case, the amount of evidence, and the cooperation of those involved. Generally, a FIOD investigation can range from one year to several years.
- investigation phase: This phase begins with the FIOD raid and the first interrogation. The investigation can last months to years. The FIOD collects evidence by searching records, analyzing bank data, and hearing witnesses and suspects.
- prosecution decision: After completion of the investigation, the Public Prosecution Service decides whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution. This can take several months.
- court phase: If prosecution occurs, a criminal case follows in court. Depending on the complexity of the case, it can take months before the case is heard in court.
- prosecution can be avoided in certain cases by submitting a request for dismissal or making agreements regarding a possible sentence.
- Scope of the case: The more complex the investigation and the more parties involved, the longer the investigation lasts.
International aspects: If an investigation is conducted abroad, this always extends the investigation because results from the foreign investigation must be awaited. - Cooperation of the suspect: Full cooperation can speed up the investigation, but must always be done in consultation with your FIOD lawyer to prevent you from unnecessarily incriminating yourself.
- Workload at the FIOD and the Public Prosecution Service: The FIOD and the Public Prosecution Service deal with a high volume of work, which can lead to longer processing times.
Throughout the entire FIOD investigation, your FIOD lawyer guides you through every step. From the initial raid to any potential court case, your lawyer ensures that your interests are optimally represented and that the investigation proceeds as efficiently as possible.
Contact our FIOD lawyers directly
If you come into contact with the FIOD, it is of essential importance that you are assisted by an experienced and specialized FIOD lawyer. At Farber Zwaanswijk Advocaten, we are experts in the field of FIOD cases and are determined to manage your case effectively. Our specialized FIOD lawyers can assist you in this.
We understand that a FIOD investigation is a stressful and uncertain period. Therefore, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to advise and assist you immediately. Whether you are facing a FIOD raid, a summons for interrogation, or simply have questions about your situation – contact us directly.
Why wait? The earlier you hire a FIOD lawyer, the better we can help you. Contact us today and let us assist you during this difficult time. We are always here for you.
A FIOD lawyer can reduce the likelihood of prosecution by actively negotiating with the Public Prosecution Service, presenting a solid defense, and potentially requesting a transaction or settlement. In some cases, a lawyer can demonstrate that there is insufficient evidence or that procedural errors occurred, leading the Public Prosecution Service to decide against prosecution. However, whether prosecution can be prevented depends on many factors, including the severity of the alleged offense, the amount of evidence, and your cooperation during the investigation. What is certain: with an experienced FIOD lawyer by your side, you significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome.
Although it is not legally mandatory to bring a lawyer to an interrogation by the FIOD, it is strongly recommended. Without a lawyer present during the FIOD interrogation, you run the risk of unintentionally making incriminating statements that can later be used against you. An interrogation by the FIOD is not an informal conversation, but a formal part of a criminal investigation. Everything you say is recorded and can serve as evidence. An experienced FIOD lawyer prepares you optimally for the interrogation, advises you on your right to remain silent, and is present during the interrogation to represent your interests. This can make the difference between a successful defense and a conviction.
A FIOD investigation is a specialized criminal investigation focusing on various forms of fraud, including tax and economic offenses. Unlike a regular criminal investigation, which might center on theft or violence, a FIOD investigation involves complex financial and tax issues such as tax fraud, bribery, VAT fraud, money laundering, and bankruptcy fraud. The FIOD works closely with the Tax and Customs Administration, among others, and possesses specialized knowledge of tax legislation. Our lawyers also possess this knowledge and experience. This often makes a FIOD investigation more technical and lengthy than a regular criminal investigation. Therefore, it is essential to engage a specialized FIOD lawyer who has experience with this type of case.
Yes, it is even highly recommended to engage a FIOD lawyer preventively if you receive signals that the FIOD may be interested in you. By seeking legal advice at an early stage, you can better anticipate a potential FIOD investigation and strengthen your position. A FIOD lawyer can advise you on the best strategy and, where necessary, proactively contact the FIOD or the Public Prosecution Service.
The costs of a FIOD lawyer vary depending on the complexity of the case, the duration of the investigation, and the number of hours the lawyer spends on your case. At Farber Zwaanswijk Advocaten, we maintain transparent hourly rates and make clear agreements regarding costs. Please contact us by telephone for a non-binding consultation in which we can discuss the costs with you.
