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Criminal Fraud
Investigations into serious fraud can be long and protracted; in some cases, years can pass before a decision is made on whether the case proceeds to court.
This time can be extremely disruptive, and the uncertainty can be distressing for your personal and family life as well as your career.
Contact me about your case
In criminal fraud trials, expert legal advice is essential. I have regularly been instructed in high-profile Serious Fraud Office (SFO) cases and more minor matters investigated by the police. I understand that you will be frightened and want the matter to disappear. But this is always a mistake and could seriously compromise your case. Let me handle the situation, allowing you to get on with your life.
“He, in my opinion, is a master tactician and grasps the most pertinent aspects of a case immediately”
Book a discovery meeting with me now.
SFO investigations and criminal prosecutions require the best legal advice and representation. Do not wait a moment to contact me. My priority will be to develop an understanding of your business and the market culture in which it operates. I will then quickly examine the reasons why the SFO or police are interested in you and/or your business, quickly go through relevant documents, provide advice and representation if you or your employees are interviewed under caution or your premises is subject to a dawn raid, and present a well thought out strategy to resolve the situation.
I can advise and represent you if you are being investigated or prosecuted concerning:
- Restraint and confiscation (POCA) proceedings
- Cryptocurrency fraud
- False accounting
- Conspiracy to defraud
- Fraud by misrepresentation
- Romance fraud
- Investment fraud
- Pension fraud
- Banking and mortgage fraud
- Applying for, removal, or variation of Freezing Orders
- International fraud
- Search Orders
- Disclosure Orders
- Wrongful and fraudulent trail
- Internet fraud
Criminal Fraud FAQs
What is the Serious Fraud Office?
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is a non-ministerial government department that investigates and prosecutes serious and complex fraud, bribery, and corruption.
As inquiries tend to take many years, the SFO only continues with investigations where:
- the alleged offence is likely to have a significant impact on the UK's reputation as a
safe place to do business, - the investigation requires the use of the SFO's particular powers and operating
model, and - the scale or nature of the alleged offence means a significant public interest will be
met by commencing an investigation.
I have a strong track record of ending the SFO’s interest in my clients well before it considers starting a formal investigation.
What does the Prosecution have to prove to get a fraud conviction?
The Prosecution must prove the following:
- Your conduct was dishonest, and
- It was made with the intention of making a gain for yourself or another or to cause
another person loss or expose them to the risk of loss.
The test for dishonestly, which must be answered by a Magistrate or, in the case of a Crown Court trial, the jury, is as follows:
- What was the Defendant’s actual state of knowledge or belief as to the facts?
- Irrespective of the Defendant’s belief about the facts, was their conduct dishonest by
the objective standards of ordinary decent people?
To gain a conviction, the Prosecution does not have to prove that you actually benefited from making the fraud or caused someone a loss; it is only that this was your intention. When it comes to ‘risk of loss’, exposing another to such a risk is sufficient. An example of this is the Prosecution can show that you made false representations to get someone to invest in your business. Although the investor may make a good ROI, your false representations have exposed them to the risk of losing money.
What is cryptocurrency fraud?
Cryptocurrency fraud is a growing area of fraud, and I have the required knowledge and experience to defend such cases.
I can provide expert advice and representation on:
- Theft of cryptocurrency from digital wallets or exchanges
- Initial coin offering (ICO) fraud
- Money laundering involving cryptocurrency
- Non-payment of taxes relating to cryptocurrency
- Breaching of freezing orders
- Regulatory breaches leading to cryptocurrency theft or fraud
Being investigated or charged with cryptocurrency fraud is a frightening and intimidating experience. I will vigorously and expertly defend you so you can move forward and concentrate on your business and personal life.
See notable cases
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HOW WE WIN
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1TELL ME ABOUT YOUR SITUATON
Send me details of your case, including dates of any future hearings and previous court orders. I will assess your papers and review your situation.
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2MEETING ME IN CONFERENCE
I will discuss your case in conference (in-person or video) and I will outline who & what action plans need to be put in place.
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3CASE WORK
This is where I start to work my experience and knowledge. Relevant drafting, lodging skeleton arguments and attending court. I will also liaise with the other side and enter into negotiations where appropriate.
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