Corporate Crime and Investigations

We advise individuals and corporates on all aspects of criminal and regulatory law. We have particular expertise in handling allegations of fraud, money laundering, bribery and corruption, facilitation of tax evasion , insider dealing and market abuse.

Our expertise includes:

  • representing clients in high-profile regulatory investigations and action/prosecutions conducted by authorities including the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Competition and Markets Authority and HM Revenue and Customs;
  • advising clients in respect of their self-reporting obligations and the factors to consider in respect of voluntary self-reports;
  • assisting clients in responding to requests (both voluntary and compelled) from regulators and law enforcement bodies;
  • representing clients in both regulatory and criminal interviews, whether compelled or under PACE caution;
  • conducting internal investigations following allegations of potential misconduct, arising following internal audits or whistle-blowers or otherwise;
  • assisting in responding to proceedings where an agency is applying for an Unexplained Wealth Order or an Account Freezing Order;
  • helping clients deal with requests made by overseas law enforcement agencies, both within Europe and also with the US Department of Justice and the US Securities & Exchange Commission;
  • designing and implementing anti-bribery, money laundering, sanctions and tax evasion compliance programmes. This includes drafting bespoke policies, conducting workshops and delivering training (both face-to-face and online). We also help clients conduct risk assessments and undertake due diligence on agents and third parties;
  • reviewing a target’s worldwide anti-bribery systems and controls in the context of an acquisition and working with purchasers to improve existing policies and procedures;
  • international mutual legal assistance and challenges to Interpol and extradition; and
  • advising clients on the implications of UK, EU and US sanctions law, as well as assisting clients in liaising with and obtaining UK licences from OFSI.

Our work is frequently international in nature, reflecting the globalisation of the investigation and prosecution of corporate crime. We have established strong relationships with law firms in other jurisdictions, entailing effective project management of multi-jurisdictional criminal and linked civil litigation.

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What people are saying

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"I have been impressed with their expertise and ability to see the wood for the trees. They don't overcomplicate matters but simply address the real issues."

Chambers UK 2023

"The team are exceptional for multi jurisdictional corporate investigations, with a host of high profile company clients across numerous sectors of business in the UK and worldwide. Experience of SFO, DOJ and FCA, as well as regulators of the city in the USA and across Europe. They are tough defenders but sensible and approachable."

The UK Legal 500 2023

"The levels of service and responsiveness from Macfarlanes are outstanding."

Chambers UK 2023

"The team is very experienced and responsive, with a good mixture of criminal, regulatory and litigation experience. With Neill Blundell at its head, the team has someone with decades of real, hands on experience of criminal and regulatory investigations."

The UK Legal 500 2023

"Since Macfarlanes enhanced the business crime team, it has sharply enhanced the breadth of its service offering, and with a team that is absolutely at the top of the game — all consistent with the culture, work ethic, and excellence of the firm overall."

The UK Legal 500 2023

"The practice represents both corporates and individuals sourcing their work from corporate and high net worth individuals. They deal with a wide variety of matters and are building a good foundation for a very good department."

The UK Legal 500 2023