Fraud and Financial Crime
Serious fraud defence solicitors and lawyers
There are few worse experiences than being the subject of police fraud squad financial crime investigation. Criminal investigations can lead to interviews under caution, compulsory document or information requests, execution of search warrants at homes and office premises, seizure of property, restraint orders or property freezing orders against your assets, being charged with a criminal offence, then facing prosecution in the magistrates' and crown courts.
Law enforcement agencies such as Police Fraud Squads and Economic Crime Units, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the Financial Services Authority (FSA), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) and Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) use these powers. This can cause distress, confusion and disruption to the lives of individuals and to businesses.
We are a leading team of fraud defence lawyers based across our national offices who defend individuals and companies under the threat of investigation or prosecution for serious fraud and financial crime. We pride ourselves on providing advice that is clear, easy to understand, and delivered by experienced solicitors and lawyers.
Fraud lawyers and solicitors defending individuals and companies
Our national team of fraud lawyers and solicitors specialise in defending individuals and companies at risk of or under investigation for serious fraud and financial crime offences. Our solicitors have defended on the most high profile, complex and heavy weight criminal fraud litigation.
Our lawyers are skilled in advising and representing those under investigation for offences such as corruption and bribery, conspiracy to defraud, fraudulent trading, fraud and dishonesty offences under the Fraud Act and Theft Act, money laundering, false accounting, insider dealing, market abuse and misleading statement, illegal price fixing and cartel offences under the Enterprise Act, offences under the Data Protection Act, offences under Company Director Disqualification Act, perjury and perverting the course of justice. We are able to advise on multi-jurisdiction investigations, mutual assistance and extradition requests.
Compulsory information gathering powers
If a suspect, witness or third party is the subject to a compulsory document or information production or disclosure order or request, our team of fraud defence lawyers advise on the scope, negotiate to limit or reduce the scope of the request, and facilitate the logistics of the disclosure exercise. The logistics of document or information requests can be complex and time consuming particularly if the information requested is electronic and spread over a number of locations. Our fraud defence solicitors work closely with forensic technology teams to identify, preserve and extract relevant electronic information.
Police, financial crime investigators and lawyers may interview a suspect under caution either voluntarily or under arrest. It is vitally important that a suspect obtains clear and knowledgeable advice from experienced fraud and financial crime defence lawyers to prepare for the interview. Our team of lawyers will aim to seek disclosure and anticipate the matters that are likely to be raised in the interview and advise on whether a suspect should answer questions or exercise the right to silence.
If your home or office premises are the target of a search warrant or 'dawn raid' then immediately contact our team of solicitors who can immediately act as an interface between the police officers executing the warrant and conducting the search, and where appropriate limit the scope of material to be seized, and minimise the disruption.
Restraint, Civil Recovery and Asset Forfeiture Solicitors
If you are the subject of a criminal or civil investigation order made under the Proceeds of Crime Act for example a restraint order or a property freezing order which freezes your assets, then you can contact our team of restraint and asset recovery lawyers. We understand the draconian powers and legislative framework that the police, economic crime units, Asset Recovery Agency and Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) have and use. Our lawyers can advise on the grounds to vary or discharge restraint or freezing orders, provide advice and assistance if you are required by compulsion to provide information or documents, or answer questions.
What happens if you have been arrested and charged?
If you have been arrested, are on police bail or have been charged, or you believe that you may at risk of arrest or are under suspicion of a criminal offence, then please contact our fraud and financial crime lawyers as soon as possible. An investigation can be brought against a company or individual - we represent both.
As criminal fraud defence solicitors we understand that investigations can commence at any time so we are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week to deal with urgent requests to defend and represent client interests. We can discuss the various funding options available to defend your case.
Call us on 0870 1500 100 or 020 7421 3883 to speak to one of our team of fraud lawyers and solicitors and arrange a consultation or use the links above to drop us a line.
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