In Lazarus Estates Ltd. v Beasley [1956] 1 Q.B. 702 (CA) the well-established saying that “fraud unravels all” originated. In handing down judgment, Lord Justice Denning said “no court will allow a person to keep an advantage obtained through fraud, and that fraud vitiates all transactions”.
The principle, ‘fraud unravels all’ means that any judgment, order, or transaction obtained through fraud is void or voidable and can be set aside, regardless of its legitimacy or the principle of finality (res judicata).
“fraud unravels all” underscores the fundamental principle that justice should not prevail where it is based on deception or fraudulent conduct.
Lazarus-Estates-Ltd.-v-Beasley-1956-1-Q.B.-702-CASee also: