An Indian-origin couple have been sentenced in the UK for continuing to run their business for more than five years despite a legal ban. Bharat Jogia, 71, from the West Midlands region of England, was disqualified as a company director in 2014 for a period of 13 years. He accepted the disqualification undertaking after admitting that he caused Jogia Jewelers (UK) Limited to wrongly claim more than £2 million from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as part of a tax fraud scheme.Despite the ban, Jogia still controls two pharmaceutical companies, Diamond Pharma Limited and BHJ Consulting Ltd. His actions were discovered when the two companies later ran into financial difficulties.Jogia’s wife, Louise Jogia, 57, was convicted of helping her husband. She is listed as a formal director of BHJ Consulting, but it is her husband who actually runs the business.Mark Stephens, chief investigator for the Insolvency Service, said: “Bharat Jogia breached a director disqualification ban of more than five years and showed complete contempt for the law.” He added: “Louise Giorgia acted as a front to protect her husband, providing signed documents and support when needed.”Stephens added that ignoring debarment was a serious offense that would undermine confidence in British businesses.Jogia’s original disqualification was intended to prevent him from operating, managing or promoting any UK-registered company until 2027. He was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months. Jogia must also complete 100 hours of unpaid community work and is banned from being a company director for a further 10 years.His wife was sentenced to seven months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and banned from serving as a director for 10 years.The couple can only avoid jail if they commit no more crimes and comply with court orders.Records show that Jogia signed a disqualification undertaking in June 2014 admitting his role in Jogia Jewelers (UK) Limited’s fraudulent claims. The agreement prohibits him from participating in any company formation, marketing or management.Investigators found that from the time of his disqualification until mid-2019, Jogia continued to operate under the names Diamond Pharma and BHJ Consulting. He directed Diamond Pharma’s solicitors, approved accounts, authorized agreements and managed staff, receiving consultancy fees in excess of £80,000.“Diamond Pharma Limited also incurred tax debts of more than £445,000 under Jogia’s management,” the Insolvency Service said. HMRC therefore took action to wind up the company.Louise Jogia provided BHJ Consulting with the company’s trading history to the liquidators. Although she is listed as a director, tasks such as conveyancing instructions, IT decisions and vendor payments are carried out by her husband. Bank records also show the company’s account was used to pay the couple’s personal bills.
