England - London • Crime, fraud and licensing

ABV Solicitors

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Representing individual clients across the media, renewable energy, and finance industries, the fraud and complex crime team at ABV Solicitors is praised for its ‘international capability’, which it leveerages to handle proceedings brought by foreign investigative agencies. The firm is also highly recommended for acting on behalf of senior company executives and directors implicated in serious fraud investigations, as well as a range of regulatory matters. Deepak Vij and Akhtar Ahmad co-head the practice; the former specialises in financial and complex fraud issues, while the latter boasts experience in SFO, NCA, and FCA proceedings. Amirah Ajaz covers serious organised crime, while senior fraud lawyer Rohit Sharma and Fergus Harrington are also noted.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Deepak Vij is a truly exceptional team leader and solicitor of the fraud and business crime team. Calm and meticulous, corporate and individual clients are always best served by Deepak and his team. Enjoying now an international practice this team are up there competing with the large corporate firms, providing exceptional client care and representation. An outstanding solicitor and a master tactician.'

  • 'Amirah Ajaz is a tenacious solicitor with superb judgment. Down to earth and dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for her clients, she has generated an enviable reputation in fraud and business crime cases.'
  • 'Rohit Sharma commands the confidence of clients and the counsel, and is one to watch for the future.’
  • ‘Deepak Vij has an incredible client following. Clients facing the largest and most complex allegations of financial crime flock to him as they appreciate he is one of the very best solicitors in this area. He is always on top of the facts of the case he is dealing with and puts clients at ease. He is a delight to work with. I have always found him to be very intelligent and insightful. His understanding of trial strategy is highly impressive.'

  • 'Akhtar Ahmad has practiced in crime for over two decades. Whilst his experience is vast, his enthusiasm has not waned. He is passionate about every client's case. He is able to rapidly deconstruct even the most complex prosecution case and identify the holes to exploit. He gives clients realistic and enormously helpful advice about how to achieve the best possible outcome in their cases. He has an exceptional record of securing acquittals for his clients in cases of the highest gravity.'
  • 'Amirah Ajaz is an exceptional talent. She has the complete trust and respect of her colleagues and clients. She has conduct of a substantial portfolio of substantial fraud cases. Amirah is remarkably assiduous. She works incredibly hard to ensure no stone is left unturned. She is without doubt a superstar in the practice area of white-collar crime.'
  • 'Zahir Ahmed is a stalwart in heavy fraud cases. He has a calm demeanour which is both reassuring and contagious. His clients always know they are in good hands.’
  • ‘This is one of the UK’s top fraud and regulatory specialist law firms. Boutique in terms of partner access and the flexibility to react to client needs, and a case CV that rivals any of the city-based international firms in the sector. They have depth in their team, from associate, through the mid ranks and all the way to the very experienced and well thought of partners.’

Key clients

  • Operation Gillingham
  • Operation Candlewood and Volt
  • London Capital Group (SFO)
  • Patisserie Holdings (SFO)
  • Operation Robinia
  • Operation Maple Lodge (Royal Mail)
  • Operation Mallard
  • Operation Jane
  • R v K
  • Operation Cluster
  • Operation Brightly
  • Operation Bacon

Work highlights

  • Representing a company director part of a Plc, floating on the London Stock Exchange, alleged to be running multi-million investment opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
  • Advising London Capital Group in an SFO investigation of a £237 million investment fraud.
  • Advising Patisserie Holdings in an SFO investigation of a £94 million “black hole” accounting fraud.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Deepak Vij, Akhtar Ahmad

Other key lawyers

Amirah Ajaz, Rohit Sharma, Fergus Harrington, Zahir Ahmed