Fraud and Financial Crime
Early intervention. Strategic guidance. Stronger outcomes.
Facing an allegation of Fraud or Financial Crime can be overwhelming, fast moving and potentially life changing. Early, specialist advice is critical.
We provide strategic guidance in cases involving Bribery, Corruption, Money Laundering, Conspiracy to Defraud, Fraud Act offences, Insider Dealing, Market Abuse, Tax and VAT investigations, and Informal Value Transfer Systems including unregistered Money Service Businesses. With extensive experience in matters involving the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), National Crime Agency (NCA) and Trading Standards, Sam delivers calm, precise and proactive support from the very first contact.
Individuals and businesses select Sam as a Chambers and Partners ranked and Legal 500 recognised expert for his ability to analyse complex financial evidence, protect reputations, challenge assumptions and shape the direction of an investigation at the earliest stage. If you are under investigation or anticipate regulatory or criminal scrutiny, immediate strategic intervention could make all the difference.
Overview of Fraud and Financial Crime
Investigations involving alleged fraud and financial wrongdoing demand meticulous analysis and early strategic planning. Whether the matter concerns alleged dishonesty, false representations, a fraudulent business, regulatory breaches, corporate governance issues or complex financial structures, the right approach in the earliest stages can often influence whether a case escalates.
Through a regulated firm, Sam is typically involved in cases where:
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The allegations carry significant financial exposure or loss of liberty
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There are personal and reputational implications
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Investigations and prosecutions which are brought by the SFO, CPS, FCA, PRA, HMRC, Trading Standards, a local council
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There is a risk of restraint, freezing order or asset recovery action
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There is international or multi-jurisdictional complexity
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There is extensive financial, digital or disclosure heavy evidence
Sam is valued by individuals and businesses for his precision, calmness and structured approach, particularly when there is pressure or uncertainty.
What Is Fraud and Financial Crime?
Fraud and Financial Crime covers a broad category of offences involving dishonesty, financial gain, economic loss or risk of, improper conduct, or breaches of regulatory or statutory duties. These offences are typically investigated by bodies such as the police, HMRC, the National Crime Agency (NCA), Trading Standards, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and other specialist enforcement agencies and regulators.
Common Fraud and Financial Crime offences include:
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Fraud by false representation, failure to disclose information or abuse of position (Fraud Act 2006)
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Conspiracy to defraud
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Money laundering (Proceeds of Crime Act 2002)
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Failure to prevent Tax evasion (Criminal Finances Act 2017)
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Tax evasion and tax fraud
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Failure to prevent fraud (Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023)
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False accounting and corporate accounting irregularities
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Bribery and failure to prevent bribery (Bribery Act 2010)
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Trading Standards and consumer protection offences (Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024)
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Investment fraud (Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) or high-value business fraud
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Mortgage, insurance or banking fraud
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Cyber-enabled fraud schemes
These matters often involve large volumes of digital evidence, financial documentation, interviews under caution, compelled interviews, multi-agency collaboration and lengthy investigation periods.
Key Areas of Expertise
Below are the areas Sam is typically involved in through a regulated law firm
Key Areas of Expertise
Below are the areas Sam is typically involved in through a regulated law firm
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Account Freezing Orders
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Account Forfeiture Order
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Acquisition, Use and Possession of Criminal Property (Money Laundering)
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Bribery
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Cheating the Public Revenue
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Conspiracy to Defraud
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Companies Act Offences
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Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
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Copyright, Designs & Patents Act
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Criminal Finances Act
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Cyber-Enabled Fraud
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Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act
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Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act
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Environment Act
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Failure to Prevent Fraud
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Failure to Prevent Tax Evasion
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Financial Services and Markets Act
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Fraud Act
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Fraud by Abuse of Position
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Fraud by Failing to Disclose Information
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Fraud by False Representation
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Fraudulent Trading
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Informal Value Transfer System
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Insider Dealing and Market Abuse
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Investment Fraud
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Missing Trader Intra-Community (MTIC) Fraud
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Modern Slavery Act
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Money Laundering Regulations
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Mortgage / Insurance Fraud
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Participation in Fraudulent Business Carried on by a Sole Trader
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Payroll Fraud
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Ponzi Scheme Fraud
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Proceeds of Crime Act
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Restraint Order
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Tax and VAT Investigations (HMRC)
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Theft Act
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Trademarks Act
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Unexplained Wealth Order
how we can assist
Through a regulated law firm, Sam provides strategic and methodical advice, assistance and representation to support and help individuals and businesses remain informed, prepared and in control during the most challenging stages of their case.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Fraud and Financial Crime investigations typically escalate quickly. The earliest steps often affect:
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Whether restraint or freezing powers are used
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The scope of the investigation
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Disclosure and document preservation
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The timing and nature of interviews
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The prospects of early resolution
A structured strategy put in place early may just prevent simple issues from developing into more serious problems. Where legal advice or representation is required, this is delivered through a regulated law firm.