Legal Problems - Expert Solutions
SPECIAL CASEWORK
SPECIALIST FRAUD
The Specialist Fraud Department is made up of a team of solicitors and paralegals specialising in representing those individuals accused of serious fraud or other serious professional impropriety. Expertise has been developed over many years in some of the highest profile and widest ranging investigations conducted by bodies such as the Serious Fraud Office, Department of Trade & Industry, H.M. Revenue & Customs (formerly known as H.M. Customs & Excise and the Inland Revenue) and the Financial Services Authority.
Asset seizure, forfeiture and freezing are common feature in cases of alleged financial impropriety and we have substantial experience in advising those whose assets are under threat. Much of the department’s work has an international dimension and as such we have experience in extradition and mutual assistance.
The department has played a significant role in defending individuals in some of the best known yet unsuccessful prosecutions by HM Customs & Excise in both alcohol and computer chip markets. We acted for a main defendant in the first London City Bond appeal at the Court of Appeal and in the subsequent retrial and joined abuse of process hearing at Liverpool Crown Court. We have also recently acted for a main defendant in Operation Vitric an HM Customs & Excise investigation into a missing trader carousel fraud involving computer chips with an alleged loss to the Revenue of over £100,000,000 which concluded with the proceedings being stayed at Blackfriars Crown Court.
PROFESSIONAL REGULATION
The department has in depth experience of representing other solicitors, accountants, company directors, doctors, and teachers including heads who face accusations such as breaches of professional conduct rules, financial impropriety, corporate manslaughter or general crime.
PROTECTED WITNESSES
The department has substantial and detailed experience of representing protected witnesses. We have acted on behalf of those who have given evidence for the Crown in the largest cases of this type in recent years.
Case History
1998-2004: WCC, R v M: Largest protected witness case of recent years involving a series of major drug importations in which the witness gave evidence over a number of trials. Substantial and serious confiscation proceedings.
2005 - 2006: KTCC, R v W: Major protected witness case involving evidence being given of substantial drug importations and armed robbery emanating from Heathrow Airport.
PRISON LAW
The firm has substantial experience of representing prisoners. Our experience spans applications for parole including discretionary and mandatory lifers. We represent those who have been recalled under the terms of their licence including those recalled under the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2003; and defend those accused of breach of prison discipline.
