Corporate Crime and Investigations
We advise individuals and corporates on all aspects of criminal and regulatory law. We have particular expertise in handling allegations of fraud, money laundering, bribery and corruption, facilitation of tax evasion , insider dealing and market abuse.
Our expertise includes:
- representing clients in high-profile regulatory investigations and action/prosecutions conducted by authorities including the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Competition and Markets Authority and HM Revenue and Customs;
- advising clients in respect of their self-reporting obligations and the factors to consider in respect of voluntary self-reports;
- assisting clients in responding to requests (both voluntary and compelled) from regulators and law enforcement bodies;
- representing clients in both regulatory and criminal interviews, whether compelled or under PACE caution;
- conducting internal investigations following allegations of potential misconduct, arising following internal audits or whistle-blowers or otherwise;
- assisting in responding to proceedings where an agency is applying for an Unexplained Wealth Order or an Account Freezing Order;
- helping clients deal with requests made by overseas law enforcement agencies, both within Europe and also with the US Department of Justice and the US Securities & Exchange Commission;
- designing and implementing anti-bribery, money laundering, sanctions and tax evasion compliance programmes. This includes drafting bespoke policies, conducting workshops and delivering training (both face-to-face and online). We also help clients conduct risk assessments and undertake due diligence on agents and third parties;
- reviewing a target’s worldwide anti-bribery systems and controls in the context of an acquisition and working with purchasers to improve existing policies and procedures;
- international mutual legal assistance and challenges to Interpol and extradition; and
- advising clients on the implications of UK, EU and US sanctions law, as well as assisting clients in liaising with and obtaining UK licences from OFSI.
Our work is frequently international in nature, reflecting the globalisation of the investigation and prosecution of corporate crime. We have established strong relationships with law firms in other jurisdictions, entailing effective project management of multi-jurisdictional criminal and linked civil litigation.
