Defending individuals and businesses in complex fraud and financial crime cases that cross borders
White collar crime investigations are rarely confined to one country. Bank accounts, companies, investors, evidence and witnesses are often spread across several jurisdictions, and more than one authority may be examining the same conduct at the same time.
At AM International Solicitors, we act for individuals, directors, professionals and companies who are under investigation, have been arrested or charged, or are facing a request from a foreign authority. With offices in London and Warsaw, we combine UK criminal defence expertise with an international perspective and a multilingual team.
White Collar Crime Defence in England & Wales
We advise and represent clients in investigations and prosecutions brought by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the National Crime Agency (NCA), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other regulators and prosecuting authorities.
Our work includes allegations of:
- Fraud, including fraud by false representation, failure to disclose information and abuse of position
- Bribery and corruption
- Money laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) offences
- VAT, tax and customs fraud
- False accounting and fraudulent trading
- Investment, mortgage and banking fraud
- Insider dealing and market abuse
- Sanctions and export control breaches
- Corporate offences, including failure to prevent offences
Cross-Border Investigations and International Cooperation
Where conduct has an international element, UK and foreign authorities may cooperate closely. This can involve:
- Mutual legal assistance requests between countries
- Overseas production orders and requests for banking or electronic evidence
- Joint investigations and sharing of intelligence between agencies
- Freezing and restraint of assets in more than one country
- Parallel civil, regulatory and criminal proceedings
- Extradition requests and international arrest warrants
- Interpol notices and international alerts
We help clients understand which authorities are involved, what powers are being used and how to protect their position in every jurisdiction affected. Where necessary we work alongside local lawyers overseas to coordinate a single, consistent defence strategy.
Early Advice Is Critical
The first days of an investigation often shape its outcome. We advise clients facing:
- Dawn raids, search warrants and seizure of devices and documents
- Interviews under caution and compulsory interviews
- Notices requiring the production of documents or information
- Arrest and bail conditions
- Asset freezing orders and account restrictions
- Requests to cooperate or self-report
We protect legal professional privilege, advise on what must and must not be disclosed, and ensure clients’ rights are respected from the very beginning.
Corporate Investigations and Compliance
Companies and senior managers face increasing exposure under UK economic crime legislation, including offences linked to the failure to prevent fraud, bribery and the facilitation of tax evasion.
We assist businesses with:
- Internal investigations and responses to regulators
- Advice to directors and senior managers facing personal exposure
- Dealing with self-reporting decisions and cooperation with authorities
- Negotiations with prosecutors, including deferred prosecution agreement discussions where appropriate
- Reviewing policies, procedures and controls to reduce risk
Asset Recovery, Confiscation and Restraint
Financial crime proceedings frequently involve attempts to freeze, restrain or recover assets. We advise on:
- Restraint orders and account freezing orders
- Confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
- Unexplained wealth orders
- Civil recovery and forfeiture proceedings
- Challenges to asset freezes and release of funds for living and legal expenses
See also our pages on POCA and Confiscation and Asset Tracing and Recovery.
Extradition and International Criminal Defence
Allegations of financial crime are a common basis for extradition requests. We represent clients facing requests from European countries, the United States and other jurisdictions, including challenges based on human rights, the passage of time, proportionality and prison conditions.
See our dedicated Extradition page for further information.
International Clients
We regularly act for clients connected with Poland, Romania and other European countries, the United States, Asia and the Middle East. Our team advises in English, Polish and Romanian, and works with trusted interpreters and overseas lawyers where required, so that clients fully understand the allegations, the process and their options at every stage
Our Approach
Every case begins with a clear understanding of who is investigating, what powers they hold, what evidence exists and where the real risks lie. We then agree a strategy designed around the client’s personal and commercial circumstances, whether that involves challenging the case, negotiating with the authorities or preparing for trial.
Why Choose AM International Solicitors?
- Specialist experience in complex fraud and financial crime
- Solicitor-Advocates with higher rights of audience
- International capability with offices in London and Warsaw
- Multilingual support, including Polish and Romanian
- Coordination with overseas lawyers and authorities
- Strategic, discreet and confidential representation
- Clear advice on costs and funding from the outset
Contact Our White Collar Crime Solicitors
If you or your business are under investigation, have been contacted by an enforcement authority or are facing a request from abroad, contact AM International Solicitors as early as possible for confidential specialist advice.
We act for clients throughout England & Wales and internationally.
