Expertise
Serious Fraud, Financial Crime, Regulatory Investigations and Complex Criminal Offences
SPH Legal advises in relation to serious fraud and financial crime, complex criminal allegations, regulatory investigations, asset recovery and serious motoring offences. These matters can arise at the investigation stage or develop during formal proceedings, and each requires careful strategic assessment.
Work may involve early engagement following contact by the police, an enforcement body or a regulator, structured preparation in serious criminal cases, a review of asset restraint and forfeiture matters, or strategic advice in regulatory enforcement investigations. In serious motoring cases, early analysis and careful handling of evidence can be decisive.
Across all areas, the focus remains consistent: early-stage strategy, disciplined preparation and structured support during pre-charge investigations and throughout.
Early intervention. Strategic direction. Stronger outcomes.
Strategic Oversight in Serious, Complex and High-Risk Matters
SPH Legal provides structured strategic direction in serious fraud, complex criminal and regulatory matters. Advice is delivered from the earliest stage of an investigation through to resolution, ensuring clarity of position and disciplined case management throughout.
Areas of Expertise
Investigations in this area frequently involve complex financial transactions, allegations of dishonesty and extensive documentary or digital material. Early strategic assessment is often decisive in shaping how a matter develops.
Key areas include
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Bribery and corruption
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Money laundering
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Conspiracy to defraud
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Fraud Act offences
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Insider dealing & market abuse
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Tax, VAT & HMRC investigations
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Unregistered Money Service Businesses (MSBs)
We provide measured strategic direction in cases involving the police, SFO, FCA, HMRC, NCA and Trading Standards, to help challenge assumptions and protect assets from the earliest stage of contact.
Serious criminal investigations may involve organised activity, multi-defendant allegations, extensive disclosure and forensic evidence. These matters require disciplined preparation and structured evidential analysis.
Key areas include:
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Money Laundering linked to Organised Crime
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National Crime Agency Investigations
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Large Scale Conspiracy Allegations
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Drugs Supply and Related Offences
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Murder, Manslaughter and Attempted Murder
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Serious Assaults and Grievous Bodily Harm
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Controlling and Coercive Behaviour
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Serious Sexual Offences
Strategic oversight at an early stage provides clarity of position and continuity as matters progress.
Financial investigation and asset restraint can arise independently or alongside criminal or regulatory matters. Immediate strategic input is often critical where assets are frozen or subject to investigation.
Key areas include:
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Account Freezing Orders (AFOs)
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Cash Seizure, Detention & Forfeiture Applications
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Crypto Wallet Freezing Orders
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Asset Detention and Forfeiture Orders
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Restraint Orders
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Confiscation Proceedings and Third Party Interests
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Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs)
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Condemnation and Restoration Proceedings
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VAT / Duty and Import Tax / Export Seizure Disputes
These proceedings can have significant commercial and personal impact. They require specialist guidance to help protect assets, stabilise businesses and challenge enforcement action quickly and effectively.
Regulatory scrutiny can carry significant professional and reputational consequences. Investigations may involve compelled interviews, statutory information or disclosure requests and parallel criminal exposure.
Key areas include:
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Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
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Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) – Insider Dealing, Market Abuse, Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR) issues, Conduct Investigations
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Health & Safety Executive (HSE) – Workplace Incidents, Corporate Manslaughter, Gross Negligence Manslaughter
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HMRC Investigation – Tax Irregularities, VAT, Excise Duty, Civil and Criminal Enquiries
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Trading Standards – Consumer Law, Fraudulent Trading, Unfair Commercial Practices
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Advertising Standards Agency (ASA)
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Competition & Markets Authority (CMA)
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Environment Agency – Environmental Offences
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Local authorities – Licensing, Housing Enforcement, Safety Investigations
Early structured engagement assists in managing risk, maintaining professional standing and ensures compliant, accurate responses to regulators and enforcement bodies.
Serious road traffic investigations often arise from fatal or life-changing incidents and can involve detailed collision reconstruction and forensic analysis.
Key areas include:
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Causing death by dangerous driving
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Causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving
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Causing serious injury by dangerous driving
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Causing serious injury by careless driving
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Careless or dangerous driving resulting in catastrophic injury
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Driving whilst unfit through alcohol or drugs, including prescription medication
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Failing to stop or failing to report following a serious collision
We provide calm, structured and expert guidance to protect individuals, professionals and personal futures in high-risk motoring cases. Early evidential review and strategic preparation can significantly influence investigation direction.
Sam Healey is very experienced in serious and complex financial crime matters. He represents both individuals and businesses under investigation and facing prosecution for a range of offences, with experience in cross-border work.
— Chambers and Partners
Sam Healey has first-rate client handling skills. He is available at all times for his clients and offers an exceptional service.
— Legal 500
A master tactician who is across every case he does.
— Legal 500
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A discreet initial discussion to understand your position and outline the next steps.