33 Chancery Lane

Alistair Webster K.C. combines, having taken silk at the age of 41 in 1995, the intellectual and advocacy talents described above, with 28 years’ experience as a leader in his fields of practice. This combination offers to clients a high degree of assurance that their cases will be dealt with efficiently and effectively, with an eye kept constantly on the best way to achieve the best outcome. His breadth of experience means that he has dealt with aspects of fraud not only in the criminal courts, but also in the High Court, the Administrative Court, and the tax tribunals. Added to his experience in proceeds of crime and restraint orders, he is thus able to offer a rare combination of services across the board and to advise with an eye to the consequences beyond the immediate issues presented to him. Alistair has spent his career as a leader dealing with high profile and difficult cases, across a range of fields of practice which require the combination of intellect, analytical and courtroom skills which he deploys to such effect. Equally at home prosecuting or defending, or acting for Claimants or Respondents, Alistair currently accepts instructions in the following areas: · FRAUD, BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION, MONEY LAUNDERING · TAX TRIBUNALS (VAT AND DUTY) · CIVIL FRAUD · CONFISCATION AND RESTRAINT · ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME · SERIOUS CRIME · PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE · HEALTH AND SAFETY · PRIVATE PROSECUTIONS Alistair is on the SFO’s lists both for prosecutions and asset recovery. His current case load includes: Multi-million pounds money laundering conspiracy for lead defendant in a case alleging currency smuggling on a vast scale; Defending a solicitor charged in relation to an investment trust fraud; Defending a businessman charged with VAT offences; Representing appellants in share valuation appeal; Representing a PhD postgraduate charged with terrorism offences; Representing a UN ambassador charged with fraud.

Andrew Mitchell KC

Specialises in advising and representing clients international and domestically in civil and criminal asset forfeiture, confiscation and restraint, financial crime, commercial wrongdoing corruption and receivership. Advises and represents multinationals, professionals, prosecuting authorities, defendants, court appointed officers and third parties in all aspects of the restraint, management and confiscation of property and on the practice and procedure in relation to money laundering regulations and legislation, compliance, fraud, corruption and civil commercial wrongdoing. Current and recent cases include the prosecution of politicians and attorneys relating to multi-millions of bribery and corruption in property developments in the Turks and Caicos; acting for Nigerian Government in the Commerical Court to recoup funds stolen by a former oil minister; acting in civil recovery proceedings relating to corrupt payments to an ambassador from an energy company; advising the SFO in the Glaxo investigation; advising the US DoJ in relation to US/Caribbean cross-jurisdictional issues; and advising and representing several defendants in ongoing POCA proceedings as well as advising a Caribbean Country on a new proceeds of crime bill and its implementation.

Barry Stancombe

Barry is a specialist in asset forfeiture and proceeds of crime particularly in the areas of restraint, receivership, confiscation, civil recovery, commercial fraud and money laundering. He advises on all aspects of proceeds of crime, asset forfeiture and in particular in cases where there is a cross over with insolvency proceedings. Barry’s practice also encompasses the complementary areas of commercial litigation, civil fraud and insolvency. He advises corporations, trusts, banks, IPs and private individuals on these specialist areas of law. He is also regularly instructed on behalf of court appointed management and enforcement receivers in high value receiverships and has been involved in most of the leading reported receivership cases. Barry has been instructed by the main prosecution agencies for many years including the SFO and FCA. Barry acted for the SFO in obtaining their first property freezing order, in their first civil recovery case and for their first account forfeiture order. He receives regular instructions by defendants in complex civil recovery cases. Barry has been recommended in the POCA and Asset Forfeiture Sections of the Legal 500 and Chambers UK since first publications. Appointed to the Serious Fraud Office POCA Panel of Counsel - Panel A. A member of the Proceeds of Crime Lawyers' Association, the Fraud Lawyers' Association, the London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association and R3.

Catherine Collins

Catherine is a specialist advocate whose practice encompasses all aspects of financial wrongdoing. Financial Crime Catherine acts for the prosecution and defence in fraud matters. Experience in these matters has enabled Catherine to develop an incisive and thorough approach to substantial and complex fraud cases. Her defence experience includes being instructed in money laundering (including international laundering and cases where there are Hawala banking defences), through to the first SFO prosecution for offences related to “rigging” LIBOR, and as a led junior in the successful defence of a Company Secretary charged with fraud and corruption. She has also been instructed by the SFO to advise on charge in relation to an international investment fraud and is currently advising the SFO on charge in relation to a suspected Ponzi scheme. Catherine also has acted for the Specialist Fraud division of the CPS in various matters, including the successful prosecution of an NHS accountant for fraud to the value of £2.2 million. Asset Recovery Catherine has experience in dealing with CJA, DTA and POCA confiscation matters, including ancillary issues such as restraint, contempt and cash forfeiture. She has acted for the prosecution, defence and third parties at all stages of asset recovery proceedings, from contested confiscation through to enforcement and receivership. She regularly advises on, and assists in, the preparation of written statements for the purposes of asset recovery proceedings (whether in the Magistrates’ or Crown Court). Her Restraint practice encompasses cases including international assets, and applications for Orders at all stages of proceedings, including post-conviction. Confiscation FCA v Choucair & Abdel-Malek (led). Confiscation arising from convictions for insider trading. R v Caplan. Confiscation arising from conviction for romance fraud. R v Dunn. Confiscation arising from involvement in drug-dealing (Encrochat case). R v AK. Successfully intervening for a bank, the victim of a fraud, in confiscation proceedings; defeated a proprietary claim made by the liquidator of AK’s former company to the bank’s misappropriated funds. R v F. Successfully intervening for a company, the victim of fraud, in confiscation proceedings; application contested by the company director’s wife. R v G. PoCA discontinued by the Crown following legal argument. Account Freezing and Forfeiture Successfully challenging seizure and detention applications under POCA 2002, related to high value Listed Assets and cash, on behalf of an UHNWI subject of politically charged allegations of criminal conduct. Operation B (led). Successful forfeiture of an account balance, part of a wider investigation concerning the laundering of criminal cash and its eventual transfer to cryptoassets. Re A and Re W. Freezing and Forfeiture cases concerning the suspicious movement of monies internationally via suspected Trade Based Money Laundering. Other Al Hajjeh v MPS (led). Acted for the MPS in relation to the seizure and repatriation of an historical artefact, stolen overseas. A v ACC (led). Successfully resisted an application under s.72 PoCA. Re: K. Successful variation of CJA 1988 Restraint Order for a Third Party in the context of enforcement proceedings against the defendant. Civil Catherine’s civil practice encompasses fraud, receivership and civil recovery. She has undertaken work in cases with an international aspect, and has appeared in the First Tier Tribunal in tax matters. Relevant cases include: Re X. Advising a professional executor on POCA implications arising in connection with the distribution of an estate. (A Charity) v PP (led). Fraud, conversion, personal and proprietary claims on behalf of an international charity; victim of a large-scale misappropriation by a corrupt employee. NCA v (A Bank) (led). Representing a bank in civil recovery proceedings; negotiated settlement. NCA v TD and others. Representing the Management Receiver in CJA receivership proceedings. NCA v KH and SH. Acting for the Official Solicitor, intervening on behalf of a child in civil recovery proceedings. Re: FX247. Representing a Third Party in Insolvency Act proceedings; negotiated settlement. Investigations, Inquests and Inquiry Work Catherine has appeared, both led and alone, in various high-profile cases on behalf of the Metropolitan Police, and other forces, advising in relation to warrants, disclosure orders, production orders and judicial review matters connected thereto. She has acted in investigations with an international element, and in those concerning terrorism, murder, and sex offences in addition to financial crime. Relevant cases include: Op S. Advised on initial applications for co-ordinated seizures, over multiple locations, and subsequently acted in detention proceedings in large-scale money laundering investigation. Op O (led). Advised and acted in s.59 proceedings, and subsequently in further applications pre-charge. Instructed on behalf of the Designated Lawyers in the Undercover Policing Inquiry, which is investigating and reporting on undercover police operations in England from 1968-2008. Catherine has experience representing interested parties in inquests (Article 2 and non-jury), and worked on the preparatory stages of the Hillsborough inquest. Other Catherine has advised and represented individuals facing disciplinary proceedings brought by the FCA. Catherine is registered with the Bar Council Public Access Directory and regularly accepts instructions on a direct access basis. Prior to her career at the Bar, Catherine spent two years working at a law firm specialising in complex fraud, serious crime, civil recovery and tax litigation/compliance. She represented defendants prosecuted by the SFO (in particular R v Asil Nadir), the CPS, HMRC, BIS, the Environment Agency and local authorities. Appointments SFO B Panel; SFO POCA B Panel; CPS Proceeds of Crime Panel Level 3; CPS Fraud Panel Level 2; CPS Level 2; Metropolitan Police DLS Panel; Elected Member of the Bar Council (2018-2020 inclusive). Publications Contributing editor; ‘Mitchell, Taylor & Talbot: Confiscation and the Proceeds of Crime’.

Christopher Convey

Christopher Convey practices in the field of national and international commercial wrongdoing with a particular specialism in fraud, corporate crime, money laundering, asset forfeiture and data protection. Recent high-profile cases include defending in the EURIBOR and UBS LIBOR cases, the defence of Asil Nadir, representing the US Department of Justice in the matter of Stanford International Bank and the defence of a major pharmaceuticals company in a restrictive practices claim brought against it by the Department of Health. Other examples of his practice include a multi-million pound travel industry fraud, a multi-million pound construction industry fraud and money laundering operation, the successful defence of a solicitor charged with money laundering and the successful representation of a solicitor accused of perverting the course of justice. His international work has included acting for off-shore trust companies and HM Attorneys General of Jersey and the Turks and Caicos Islands. He is also frequently asked to represent and protect the interests of third parties and victims affected by asset forfeiture and confiscation proceedings in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court. Christopher has been the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales’ Money Laundering Working Group since 2010.

Christopher Sykes

Christopher specialises in civil and criminal matters of financial crime, confiscation, and professional discipline. He prosecutes and defends in large-scale trials concerning fraud and money laundering. He is currently instructed as junior counsel and disclosure counsel for the Financial Conduct Authority in two complex criminal investigations. He has experience acting for the defence on behalf of corporations under criminal investigation, including in the context of the Grenfell Inquiry. He has wide experience representing government bodies, individuals, and victims whose interests have been affected by financial wrongdoing. He frequently appears in court on behalf of applicants and respondents in matters concerning account freezing orders, forfeiture, contested variations, and receiverships. His work for financial regulators has involved secondments with the Bank of England and HMRC where he has advised on financial regulation and money laundering. He is Panel C counsel for the Serious Fraud Office. His experience in the field of professional discipline means he is well-placed to advise individuals and regulators whose cases fall at the intersection of the criminal and regulatory jurisdictions. He has extensive experience advising and appearing for healthcare regulators and registrants in interim and substantive proceedings as well as before the High Court. He appears before the Council for Licensed Conveyancers in cases arising from breach of money laundering regulations.

Christopher Snell

Chris has a commercial disputes practice with experience of financial services and banking and finance disputes, insolvency (both corporate and personal), civil fraud and asset recovery, cryptocurrency, company and contract disputes. He also has costs experience including litigation funding, DBA’s, CFA’s, detailed assessment and cost related disputes. Most recently, Chris was the successful party at both first instance and in the Court of Appeal in the landmark decision Lexlaw v Zuberi [2021] EWCA Civ 16. This is the first reported decision on the enforceability of Damages Based Agreements.  His cases often have an international and offshore dimension. Chris was involved in significant offshore litigation arising out of the liquidation of several large US insurance companies following the conviction of the ultimate beneficial owner for bribery and insurance fraud. He has also given expert evidence in proceedings before the Court of First Instance in Hong Kong concerning matters of English Civil Procedure. 

Fiona Jackson

Fiona Jackson practises in the areas of domestic and international fraud and money laundering, bribery and corruption, international mutual legal assistance and mutual recognition, international regulatory work, proceeds of crime and tracing, civil and criminal asset recovery, business crime and compliance issues. She has represented a wide range of prominent defence and prosecution clients, companies and individuals, including prosecuting authorities and investigation and regulatory agencies such as the Competition & Markets Authority, Financial Conduct Authority and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, as well as a variety of police forces, foreign governments and receivers, in cases before the Court of Appeal, High Court and Crown Court. Her experience ranges from cases involving worldwide and domestic restraint, receivership, confiscation, significant cash seizure and asset forfeiture, and linked judicial review, to major fraud, money laundering and business crime trials. Fiona is often instructed because of her ability to offer advice and representation on a case, from advising upon, defending and prosecuting or applying for pre-charge/pre-action restraint and freezing proceedings at the very outset to dealing with confiscation issues and linked asset/civil recovery proceedings at the conclusion of a case. Current instructions include advising and representing defendants, third parties and prosecutors on significant civil recovery, criminal restraint and cash forfeiture proceedings; part of the prosecution team for the SFO for confiscation proceedings following successful prosecution of a multi-million pound conspiracy to defraud; advising on a civil recovery order appeal; advising on the availability of European Investigation Orders; and assisting foreign governments with domestic and international recovery of the alleged proceeds of crime including consideration of Unexplained Wealth Orders.

Graham Brodie KC

Graham Brodie KC specialises in civil and criminal litigation arising out of allegations of commercial wrong-doing. He has developed a substantial practice defending in prosecutions for white collar crime, and acting for both claimants and defendants in civil fraud claims. He has particular expertise in proceedings concerning bribery and corruption, restraint, freezing and confiscation of assets. Graham has extensive experience of public law and is frequently involved in challenges arising out of criminal investigations, commercial judicial review and proceedings arising out of the conduct of elections. Graham is often asked to provide strategic advice to clients who are subject to investigation, especially those which give rise to issues involving both civil and criminal law.

Howard Sharp KC

Howard was Her Majesty’s Solicitor General for Jersey from 8th March 2010 until 1st July 2015. Since returing to private practice, Howard has built a diverse contentious advice and litigation based legal practice with a focus on commercial litigation, asset recovery, money laundering and fraud, international corruption investigations and related law including Sanctions and Judicial Review . Howard has acted for governments, financial services businesses, global businesses and high-net worth individuals. Commercial Litigation and Civil Fraud Howard has acted in high value contract dispute claims, shareholder disputes and trust litigation involving momentous decisions, allegations of sham trusts, applications to remove the trustees and applications to set aside Jersey Foundations on the basis of mistake re tax planning. Howard is currently instructed in respect of a high value fraud dispute involving a shareholder dispute with a Jersey trust company. Howard is frequently instructed in respect of Civil Freezing and Norwich Pharamacal Orders. Sanctions Howard is regularly instructed to advise on UK and Jersey sanctions issues in respect to acquisitions as well as advising on sanctions issues within his civil fraud, arbitration or other ongoing investigations or court proceedings. Howard has recently been involved in the sales of Chelsea Football Club and Truphone. Howard is currently instructed in respect of an ongoing money laundering investigation in Jersey linked to sanctions breaches in respect of assets held in offshore and corporate structures alleged to be worth $7 billion. Proceeds of Crime Howard prosecuted Curtis Warren in Jersey and following conviction obtained a confiscation order in the sum of £198 million, reflecting the benefit obtained by Mr Warren from the worldwide drug trafficking of wholesale amounts of cocaine from South America into Europe. Howard also led the successful prosecution of Windward Trading Limited in Jersey and resulting confiscation orders. Windward was used by Kenyan public officials to launder the proceeds of corrupt payments received from European companies seeking favourable treatment in tender processes in Kenya linked to the Energy Sector. Howard has also acted in the ongoing Jersey extradition request seeking the extradition of those same public officials, including a former Kenyan Energy Minister, in respect of related money laundering investigations. Howard has represented trustees when the Jersey situated trust assets were the subject of a freezing order with a view to criminal confiscation in respect of criminal conduct – commercial scale wildlife offences that occurred in South Africa. Judicial Review/Public Law Howard has advised the Law Officers Department in both Jersey and Guernsey, the Jersey Financial Services Commission and the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority in respect of a wide range of judicial review/public law matters. Howard appeared as lead counsel in the Privy Council case of Volaw, now a leading authority on the law of privilege against self incrimination. Criminal Law Howard has great experience as a trial advocate. He has prosecuted murder, manslaughter and other serious criminal trials.

Ian Smith

Ian works across a spectrum of commercial fraud, cyber fraud and misconduct cases. He represents clients in the civil and criminal courts, acting for both victims and accused persons. Most of his cases are large-scale international proceedings involving asset tracing in a number of jurisdictions. He has a specialist regulatory law practice, advising law firms, City institutions, professional services and property firms. He advises in relation to anti-money laundering, counter terrorist finance, financial sanctions, anti-corruption and anti-tax evasion facilitation. Ian lead-edits and co-authors the practitioners' text Asset Recovery: Criminal Confiscation and Civil Recovery (Oxford University Press). He is the lead author of Commercial and Cyber Fraud: A Legal Guide to Justice for Businesses (Bloomsbury). He is the Immediate Past President of VOCAL - the Victims of Crime Association of Lawyers. He was a founding member of the Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association and is a former Secretary of the European Criminal Bar Association.

Kennedy Talbot KC

Kennedy Talbot KC’s practice areas are Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 civil recovery, bank account forfeiture, money laundering advisory and reporting, criminal confiscation, restraint and enforcement, government and police investigations and civil fraud, tracing and proprietary claims. He regularly advises businesses and financial institutions on money laundering obligations, particularly in M&A and arising out of the overseas cannabis market. He has appeared in 10 cases in the Supreme Court or House of Lords since 2000. He is a joint author of Confiscation and the Proceeds of Crime (Sweet and Maxwell 3rd Ed. looseleaf), Administrative Court: Practice and Procedure (Sweet and Maxwell, 2006) and a contributing editor of The White Book. Kennedy is the Chairman of the Proceeds of Crime Lawyers’ Association and has regularly lectured at home and abroad for (amongst others) the United Nations, IMF, and the Council of Europe. Civil recovery and forfeiture. Currently instructed in multiple PoCA/Criminal Finances Act 2017 bank account freezing or forfeiture applications. Previous cases include: Fresh View Swift Properties [2023] EWHC 605 (Admin) (forfeiture of unlicensed money service business proceeds); NCA v Persons Unknown and Barclays Bank (2022), 25 November (Business and Property Court, acting for bank in recovery of £51m); 2022 £12m confidential settlement; Campbell [2017] Lloyds Rep FC 598 (Court of Appeal - forfeiture); Coghlan [2017] EWHC 570 (QB) (High Court committal arising out of civil recovery); Namli [2014] EWCA Civ 411 ($7m Turkish bank civil recovery action); Davison and George (2013 £8m civil recovery settlement); the Balfour Beatty settlement; and Olden [2010] CP Rep 10 (Court of Appeal civil recovery). He also advised the UN on the development of its Model Civil Forfeiture Law. Money laundering advisory. Currently: acting for several investors and financial institutions in different matters concerning money laundering obligations, particularly M&A and/or arising out of the cannabis market in Canada; and acting for Spotlight on Corruption in its Court of Appeal intervention in World Uygur Congress v NCA [2023] EWHC 88 (Admin). Advised businesses, financial institutions and professionals on making reports to the NCA in 5 separate matters during 2022/2023 (including one of the largest UK fund managers). Appeared on behalf of the successful appellant in the leading Supreme Court laundering appeal, GH [2015] 1 WLR 2126 (when fraud proceeds paid into a bank account become criminal property for the purposes of a POCA s.328 laundering arrangement). Investigated and reported in 2020 to a foreign regulator in respect of the anti-money laundering policies and conduct of an offshore jurisdiction bank. PoCA Confiscation (particularly regulatory). Currently: representing the SFO in asset preservation litigation arising out of the collapse of London Capital and Finance (see eg [2021] EWHC 2803 (Comm)); acting for the SFO in £70m civil proprietary proceedings in the Business and Property Court (Gerald Smith); representing private prosecutors in several sets of restraint and confiscation proceedings (including Taktouk [2020] EWCA Crim 1325 and Tierney [2022] EWCA Crim 1042 (both interlocutory contempt proceedings)). In the last 3 years (2020-2023) Kennedy has acted in numerous confiscation and restraint proceedings including the following reported cases: Miller [2023] 4 WLR 6 (Court of Appeal – corporate legal personality); Luckhurst [2022] 1 WLR 3818 (Supreme Court – legal expenses in civil proceedings); Asplin [2022] Crim LR 9 (Court of Appeal - confiscation of pensions); Green and Ryder [2021] Env LR 6 (Court of Appeal – confiscation in environment cases); Luckhurst [2020] EWCA Crim 1579 (Court of Appeal – legal and living expenses guideline case); and Re S [2020] 1 WLR 109 (Court of Appeal - pre-charge restraint guideline case). Government and police Investigations. Currently acting in a number of sensitive investigations including Covid related fraud and billion pound illegal gambling. Previous notable cases include: Operation Weeting (News of the World phone hacking); cash for honours; the Berlusconi investigation; the Madoff investigation; recovery by the Egyptian government of Mubarak looted funds; and corruption investigation into former Law Society president. Civil fraud and tracing. Currently: leading for the SFO in the Orb/ Gerald Smith £70m Commercial Court proceedings involving 27 parties, BVI and Jersey liquidators and High Court receivers to recover the proceeds of breach of trust and fraudulently obtained property (see various interlocutory judgments - [2019] EWHC 2598 (Comm), [2020] EWHC 1280 (Comm), [2020] EWHC 2079 (Comm), [2022] EWHC 3052 (Comm) and [2022] 7 WLUK 544); and acting for the Attorney General for Trinidad and Tobago in the Nelson litigation. Also acted in civil action against betting company for recovery of gambled fraud proceeds (Dhir v Flutter Entertainment [2021] EWHC EWHC 151 (QB)). Previously acted for stockbrokers in Bilta v Deutsche Bank and SVS (Commercial Court breach of trust proceedings).

Linda Saunt

As a mediator Linda is accredited by ADR Group for both commercial and family mediation work which enables her to offer a more flexible approach than the standard commercial mediation process. Hybrid mediation permits the best of both worlds – joint meetings and private meetings can be on the same day or over a few weeks. She meets clients with their lawyers and on their own. The mediation is structured to suit the needs of the parties and the nature of the dispute rather than following a prescribed format. Linda’s extensive experience as a barrister in litigating financial wrongdoing means that she has an excellent insight into resolving sensitive and complex issues. Her familiarity with intricate and heavyweight cases gives her the ability to absorb material quickly and effectively. This means she is highly sought after by parties needing advice at the early stages of disputes and investigations. When mediating she draws on her litigation skills and knowledge to help parties resolve their disputes without the risk and cost of going to trial. She is highly regarded for her independence and integrity and as a barrister is often instructed as independent counsel advising on LPP in very high profile cases. Most recently working on Operation Northleigh. Linda advocates mediation being used more in cases of financial wrongdoing and particularly where third parties claim an interest in assets subject to a confiscation order. Enforcement proceedings often run into long, complicated and expensive litigation. If those assets have a limited financial value then the time and costs of litigation are hard to justify. With Linda’s assistance as an independent mediator, parties can be helped to find a balanced solution that meets all parties’ requirements. As a community mediator Linda specialises in inter-generational family disputes in East Sussex. Linda spent 14 years in the Government Legal Service before coming to the Bar in 2002. While in the Central Confiscation Unit of the CPS Linda dealt with groundbreaking asset freezing cases on behalf of foreign governments including those concerning high profile politicians. As Legal Adviser to the Companies Investigation Branch of the DTI her main areas of responsibility were insider dealing, market manipulation, directors’ duties and illegal trading schemes. Again, her caseload included some of the most high profile cases of the day. Being registered with the Bar Council for Direct Public Access means that any person (individual or corporate) may instruct Linda directly without going through a solicitor. Linda acts as independent counsel advising on legal professional privilege and is frequently instructed in cases brought by all the leading prosecuting authorities including high profile/large volume cases such as the investigations into payments for peerages and phone hacking. Her exceptional expertise is reflected in a busy practice advising on all aspects of asset forfeiture and confiscation, review of confiscation orders (certificate of inadequacy), contempt of High Court orders as well as fraud, money laundering and legal professional privilege. A particular field of her expertise is cases in which third parties (companies, business partners, spouses) claim an interest in property that is the subject of a freezing or confiscation order. Linda has appeared for the defence, prosecution, receivers and third parties in major cases before the High Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal. She is also regularly instructed by professional clients who become involved in asset forfeiture cases.

Mark Rainsford KC

An internationally pre-eminent silk and litigation strategy expert, specialising in business crime, anti-money laundering, Global Investigations - particularly banking and corporate; criminal defence, and criminal, civil and commercial fraud cases. Mark is astute at the pre-charge investigation stage, with an impressive track record of deploying strategies to avoid prosecution. His early involvement often results in a non-prosecution outcome. Clients include SMEs, FTSE 100 and Global Fortune 500 companies, directors, UHNW, HNW individuals; City law firms, accountancy, and private equity firms. Mark represents corporate whistle-blowers and has unrivalled experience in successfully representing individuals and witnesses involved in SFO, US DoJ and SEC investigations. He represents witnesses in cases following parallel civil and criminal tracks. Often Instructed for key actors in flag ship cases, including NMC Health plc; London Capital & Finance; 1MDB; ENRC plc; Société Générale v LIA; Rolls Royce; CWM Fx; BAe Systems; a well-known Russian Oligarch facing sanctions; Vincent Tchenguiz; and other billionaires pursuing pro-active litigation against law enforcement and investigation authorities. A team player, Mark has a commanding vision honed from years' experience as leading counsel, fighting hundreds of trials, and fulfilling complex overview roles. Mark is also an expert in criminal restraint, AFOs, and the seizure and return of crypto currency/digital assets.

Martin Evans KC

Martin’s practice involves all aspects of the law relating to asset recovery, money laundering and confiscation. He is experienced in handling the most complex restraint, receivership, forfeiture and civil recovery proceedings. With cases straddling criminal and civil jurisdictions, Martin acts for clients in the Crown Court, the High Court (King’s Bench & Chancery Divisions and the Administrative Court) as well as the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He has a strong appellate practice; in the last few years he has been instructed in numerous cases before the Court of Appeal in which he did not appear in the lower court. In the last two years he has been instructed two appeals in the Supreme Court: in the landmark case of CPS v Aquila Advisory Ltd (for the Respondent) and in Andrewes for the Appellant (the CPS). Martin has been a contributing editor of ‘Archbold’ since 2006 and has responsibility for the chapters on confiscation and money laundering offences. He is co-author of ‘Corporate Criminal Liability’ (described as “scholarly and comprehensive” by Lord Hoffmann), the fourth edition of which was published in April 2021. He has delivered training on money laundering for the Bar Council; devised materials for a training program for the judiciary on restraint and receivership under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and provided training to the Metropolitan Police on investigative powers. He regularly lectures on asset recovery and related topics both in the UK and abroad. Notable recent case include: R v Wood (Niki) [2023] 1 WLR 156; R v Briedis [2023] 1 Cr App R 18, [2022] EWHC 3431 (Admin); Chief Constable of Merseyside v Bennett [2023] 1 Cr App R 10; NCA v Petrosaudi Oil Services (Venezuela) Ltd [2022] EWHC 920 (Admin); R v Andrewes [2022] UKSC 24; Crown Prosecution Service v Aquila Advisory Ltd [2021] 1 WLR 5666; R v Asplin [2021] EWCA Crim 1313; PDVSA Servicios SA v Clyde & Co LLP [2020] Lloyd's Rep. F.C. 580; [2020] EWHC 2322 (Ch); R v Reynolds (Nicholas) [2020] 1 Cr App R 20; R(on the application of A, B & C) v Southwark Crown Court [2019] EWHC 3742 (Admin); GW v SFO [2018] EWCA Crim 1155, R(on the application of River East Supplies Limited) v Nottingham Crown Court [2017] (Admin), R(Rahman) v Local Government Election Court [2017] EWHC 1413 (Admin)

Narita Bahra KC

Narita Bahra KC is a leading Criminal and Business Fraud Defence Barrister who appears in serious, complex and high profile cases. Her fearless and fresh approach makes her widely sought after by clients in private crime cases. Narita has established a reputation for meticulous preparation, mastery of detail, effective cross-examination, jury rapport and excellent client relations. Narita is recognised as a formidable criminal defence KC who is instructed in murder, serious international organised crime, terrorism and sexual offence cases. Her investigative approach leads her team to successful results. Narita is recognised as an effective tactician in the field of Business Crime. Her stellar work ethic results in tangible impact and defining successful outcomes in cases involving fraud, tax evasion, money laundering and confiscation. Narita is instructed in and impacted high profile cases in which disclosure failings have been unmasked. Narita regularly appears on national TV and Radio; Sky, BBC, ITV and Radio 4 as a legal correspondent. Narita is an author and contributor to legal journals. Her excellent track record and high success rate before juries make her a leading choice. Publications: ‘A Practical Guide to Confiscation and Restraint’ by Narita Bahra KC, David Winch, John Carl Townsend; ‘Tackling Disclosure in the Criminal Courts – A Practitioner’s Guide’ by Narita Bahra KC & Don Ramble

Nick James

Nick has an extensive financial crime practice, representing those accused of bribery, fraud or money laundering. Nick acts in Proceeds of Crime matters, very recently in the consolidated Appeals, R v Haden and others [2024] EWCA Crim 344, on refusals to extend the period of postponement in confiscation proceedings. Nick also acts in Sports Law cases, recently representing the head of the Belarus Athletics Team who was charged with violations of the World Athletics Integrity Code of Conduct. Recent Directory quotes include: ‘…empathetic with clients and impressive in court’ and ‘..courageous and unshakable in his commitment to his clients’. ‘He has a knack. He really knows his cases and tactically plays things just right. ‘On his feet Nick is an extremely skilled advocate, one of the very the best at the Bar, who combines meticulous preparation with exceptional client care.’ ‘Nick is an engaging advocate who retains a personal and affable manner even when forcefully making points to a judge or jury. He has a wonderfully light touch. He is thorough and hardworking’ Financial Crime and POCA R v PL & Ors (2024) - £54m Money-Laundering Conspiracy R v Haden and others [2024] EWCA Crim 344- Special Court to consider conjoined appeals re refusals to extend the period of postponement for confiscation. R v SZ & Ors (2023) - Cheat on the Revenue and associated money-laundering offences. SFO v NW & Ors (2022-3) - company director charged with bribery and money laundering offences by the SFO. R v AS & Ors (2022) - 12-handed money laundering operation. R v AH & Ors (2022) - Investment fraud boiler room fraud. R v MJ & Ors (2021) - 20 handed Conspiracy to Defraud the Civil Aviation Authority. R v LC & Ors (2021) - 13 handed multi-million pound MTIC fraud. R v MdP & Ors (2021) - Private prosecution of Italian nationals brought by the American clothing brand Supreme for trademark infringements in Europe and China. R v Byrne [2021] EWCA Crime 107 - Represented two former company directors in the joined appeal relating to the discredited carbon credit expert. R v GS (2019) - Money laundering of funds from a £3m nationwide banking fraud. R v MS & Ors (2018) - 13 handed MTIC fraud alleged to have caused a loss to HMRC in excess of £20m. R v EE (2018) - US and UK investigation into hacking of US employee pension scheme. R v Pabon [2018] EWCA Crim 420 - Appeal for a Barclays trader who had been convicted of Libor rigging. R v SH & Ors (2016-17) - Defending a company director in a series of 3 high value fraud trials involving allegations of investment fraud, fraudulent trading and defrauding Natwest bank. R v MB & Ors (2017) - Private prosecution alleging Fraudulent Trading and Theft. Crime R v KK & Ors (2021) - Multi-handed Class A Drugs Conspiracies each operated using Encrochat devices. R v MA & Ors (2021) - Complex firearms trial. R v RK & Ors (2021) - Conspiracy to import a significant volume of cannabis. R v SD & Ors (2019) - Conspiracy to Supply Heroin. R v JN & Ors (2018) - Multi-handed conspiracy to commit aggravated burglaries at mobile phone shops. R v JB (2018) - Murder trial involving the deliberate targeting of the victim by a gang. R v AA - Represented a 16-year-old boy with ADHD accused of murdering his friend over an argument on snapchat. R v EE & Ors - Three-handed murder trial involved a knife fight between four men which was captured on film and witnessed by numerous members of the public.

Olivia Chaffin-Laird

Olivia has a commercial practice with experience in banking and finance and financial regulation, professional negligence, fraud, contract, company and partnership and insolvency disputes. Her cases are often complex, high value and high stakes.  She is recognised for her meticulous preparation and attention to detail, combined with thorough and tenacious advocacy. Olivia provides a clear, analytical approach with a degree of pragmatism. Ranked in the legal directories for commercial disputes.

Penelope Small

A senior junior counsel with decades of experience in cases related to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, financial wrongdoing, money laundering and asset forfeiture. Instructed by all the leading prosecuting authorities in the UK in addition to advising and/or representing Claimants, Defendants, and Third Parties [Both Corporates and Individuals] in restraint, trials [including criminal] and/or hearings related to the protection and/or realisation of assets and/or proprietary interests; including in a criminal context both before and after conviction. Specialist in account/cash seizure and/or forfeiture proceedings; restraint and receivership hearings, confiscation hearings, third party intervention in matrimonial proceedings, Disclosure Orders, Warrants and the SAR regime. Regularly instructed in mutual legal assistance matters and in cases where assets are located outside the UK jurisdiction. Regularly advises Corporates and LLP Solicitor firms who find themselves caught up in civil or criminal investigations. Has an additional expertise navigating proceedings involving marital and or co-habiting partners whose assets are intertwined with an alleged wrongdoer. Was instructed in one of the earliest Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 restraint proceedings involving digital assets [Bitcoin]. Ms Small is a contributing editor of Confiscation and the Proceeds of Crime (Sweet and Maxwell 3rd Edition). Ms Small is a regular lecturer who has recently delivered training on Money Laundering/Confiscation and Extradition proceedings to law officers and stakeholders in the Virgin Islands.

Rachel Ferrari

Legal 500

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