Two separate cases of alleged film tax fraud are heading towards trial.

Chris Atkins, writer-director of 2007 BAFTA-nominated doc Taking Liberties and 2009 doc Starsuckers, and Terence Potter, co-producer of acclaimed 2005 drama Romanzo Criminale, are among 13 men and women alleged by the Crown Prosecution Service to have taken part in a £2.5m film tax fraud.

The charges against the 13 relate to two film partnerships that allegedly submitted false tax returns so its members could claim relief on losses.

Seven of the 13 individuals are investment bankers.

A provisional trial date of July 13 has been set.

Meanwhile, in a separate case, five film professionals are due to stand trial in September in connection with another alleged film tax scam.

Robert Bevan and Cyril Megret, executive producers Keith Hayley and Charles Savill, formerly of Little Wing Films (as was Bevan), and Norman Leighton are alleged by the Crown Prosecution Service to have taken part in a tax relief fraud that cost the public revenue around £125m ($194m).

Both trials are due to take place at Southwark Crown Court, London.

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