A London-based solicitor of Indian-origin,who was made a Queen's Counsel in March 2011,is facing criminal charges for failing to pay 600,000 pounds in VAT,the Crown Prosecution Service today said. Rohan Anthony Pershad,QC,is to be prosecuted for not paying Value Added Tax between June 1999 and September 2011. It is alleged he knowingly failed to declare VAT payments for which he charged on services he provided while working as a barrister. Queen's Counsel is a status conferred by the Crown. Members have the privilege of sitting within the Bar of court. As members wear silk gowns of a particular design,the award of Queen's Counsel is known informally as "taking silk". In order to qualify,a lawyer usually has to serve as a barrister or solicitor for at least ten years. Keri Ashworth-Beaumont,prosecutor for the CPS Central Fraud Division,said: "I have advised HM Revenue and Customs that Rohan Anthony Pershad QC should be prosecuted for a single office of cheating the public revenue." She added: "The allegation is that between 1 June 1999 and 24 September 2011,Rohan Anthony Pershad did cheat the public revenue of approximately 600,000 pounds. "The evidence suggests that he charged and received VAT payments on services he provided whilst practicing as a barrister but which he knowingly failed to declare or pay to Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. This is an offence contrary to common law." Pershad is scheduled to appear before Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on 2 August.
