Anti money laundering (AML) and POCA solicitors

An allegation of money laundering or action under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 can put your finances, reputation and ability to operate under immediate pressure. Early decisions matter, particularly where assets have been restrained or frozen, information has been requested or a criminal or regulatory investigation is under way.

Our anti money laundering and POCA solicitors provide strategic advice and representation during money laundering investigations, prosecutions and related proceeds of crime proceedings. We’ll help you understand the action being taken and how to protect your position.

Recognised as leaders in our field in all major directories

Who we help

We support:

• individuals facing investigation or prosecution

• directors and senior managers

• companies and other organisations

• regulated professionals

• law firms and other professional services businesses

• financial services organisations

• property owners and investors

• trustees and corporate officers

• third parties whose assets are affected by an order

• insurers supporting an insured individual or organisation

Where the interests of an organisation and its directors, employees or other individuals may diverge, we will identify the issue at an early stage and provide clear advice on representation.

How we can help with anti money laundering and proceeds of crime matters

Money laundering and proceeds of crime cases can involve several agencies, overlapping legal powers and large volumes of financial evidence. They may also develop alongside regulatory, professional disciplinary or wider criminal proceedings.

We can advise and represent you in relation to:

• allegations of money laundering

• investigations and prosecutions under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

• unexplained wealth orders

• restraint orders and applications affecting your assets

• account freezing and forfeiture proceedings

• cash detention and forfeiture

• crypto asset detention and forfeiture

• confiscation proceedings following conviction

• production orders and requests for disclosure of financial records and electronic devices

• interviews under caution

• applications to vary or discharge orders

• regulatory investigations arising from suspected economic crime

• liaison with prosecuting authorities intended to avoid prosecution

• court, tribunal and regulatory hearings

Money laundering investigations affecting professionals and businesses

A money laundering investigation can have consequences beyond the criminal case. It may lead to professional disciplinary proceedings, reporting obligations, insurance questions or scrutiny from a sector regulator.

We can help you understand how the different strands of an investigation connect and develop a coordinated response.

Where an organisation discovers suspected misconduct internally, we can also conduct a legally privileged internal investigation, assess the available evidence and advise on possible referrals to law enforcement or a regulatory body.

Anti-money laundering compliance support

Preventing an issue can be as important as responding to one.

Alongside defence work, we offer anti-money laundering audits and training for regulated organisations. Our audit service includes reviewing risk assessments, policies and procedures, interviewing key personnel, examining files and reporting on findings and recommendations.

Our AML training can cover:

• customer due diligence

• enhanced due diligence

• source of funds and source of wealth

• recognising suspicious activity and common warning signs

• responding to suspected money laundering

• avoiding tipping off

• record keeping

• ongoing monitoring

All training is tailored to your organisation and your unique circumstances.

Why choose us?

Clear advice when the stakes are high

Economic crime proceedings can feel complex and intrusive. We explain what is happening, what it means for you and which decisions need to be made.

Support from investigation to hearing

Our documented services extend from urgent advice following a dawn raid or notification of an investigation through to formal interviews, representations to prosecutors and advocacy at court, tribunal and regulatory hearings.

A joined-up approach

Money laundering and proceeds of crime matters may involve criminal law, regulatory enforcement, professional discipline, insurance and commercial considerations. We bring the relevant expertise together so that each part of your response supports the wider strategy.

Focused on protecting your position

We will examine the evidence, challenge assumptions where appropriate and help you respond in a way that is thorough, proportionate and aligned with your priorities.