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Over the years, Cairns has acquired considerable expertise in the field of fraud and in particular revenue fraud (direct and indirect tax frauds) including civil actions. Formerly Standing Counsel to the AG (Revenue and Customs), he is currently representing Newcastle United in its litigation with the Revenue.

He has appeared in a number of cases involving prosecutions relating to the trade in military goods under the Export and Trade Control legislation and regulations.

His very recent cases include -

• 2023 -Defended a former MP on an allegation of election donation fraud - he was acquitted
• 2021-24 Defended in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands in a 3 month trial involving allegations of CONCACAF / FIFA related fraud and money laundering trial.
• 2022-24 Defended in the £120m Axiom investment fund fraud trial and re-trial at Southwark
• 2024 Defending in a complex anti-dumping duty fraud and VAT evasion trial (£110m) relating to Chinese imports of solar panels.

Called 1987; Gray’s Inn; Silk 2010.

Criminal Bar Association.

King’s College, London (1986 LLB).