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A solicitor who stole nearly £1m in tax by falsifying property conveyancing documents and lying to his clients has been sentenced to 10 years jail after an investigation by HMRC.

Shameer Sacranie, 40, from Leicester, fled the country after his arrest in December 2011.

HMRC's investigations revealed that he had altered legal documents to reduce the amount of stamp duty due on 139 properties bought by his clients. Sacranie then charged his clients for stamp duty in excess of the fraudulently reduced amounts and pocketed the difference.

Stuart Taylor, assistant director in the criminal investigation division of the HMRC, says Sacranie knew only too well what the consequences of his actions would be.

To abuse the trust of his clients was a despicable act, stealing money that had been paid by them in good faith to meet their tax liabilities. [The] sentence should serve as a reminder to those who hold positions of trust that the justice system takes a firm line on those who fall foul of the law.

Sacranie had been due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court but absconded and was sentenced in his absence. A bench warrant has been issued for his arrest.

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