Sam Healey

A successful defence in a long-running conspiracy to defraud and money laundering prosecution involving allegations against a financial institution. Following extensive disclosure challenges, scrutiny of internal investigations, and arguments based on delay and investigative failure, the individual was acquitted of all allegations and was the only acquitted defendant

This case study examines the successful resolution of a financial crime investigation involving virtual assets, where both a crypto wallet freezing order and Account Freezing Orders were imposed on suspicion of money laundering. Through early specialist intervention, detailed financial reconstruction and strategic engagement with investigators, all freezing orders were voluntarily discharged with no forfeiture proceedings pursued.

Bank account blocks and frozen funds are often the first visible sign of a wider financial crime process. This article explains how bank restrictions escalate into Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs), National Crime Agency review, moratorium periods and Account Freezing Orders under POCA - and where strategic, evidence-led engagement could resolve matters without forfeiture or prosecution.