The risk of Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigations remains high. These cases are often highly sensitive and complex. The potential for significant financial loss, reputational damage and ultimately loss of liberty require the support of specialist lawyers.
There is an increasing theme for investigating and prosecuting authorities such as the SFO to focus on a company's corporate compliance. Senior Executives or those with a financial or compliance function can often find themselves at the centre of an investigation. The company or individuals can be compelled to provide documents and be interviewed. If suspected of any wrong-doing, individuals can be interviewed under caution which presents a number of challenges and potential vulnerabilities. It is therefore essential that specialist legal advice is sought once a serious fraud is suspected or once an SFO investigation has begun.
Our specialist team of lawyers advises companies and defend individuals who are exposed to SFO investigations into bribery and corruption, false accounting, market manipulation, and large scale investment and tax frauds.
We provide a first class service to clients, untangling any complicated language, and acting quickly to devise an appropriate strategy in tackling an SFO investigation. When compulsory interviews under Section 2 are requested, we advise as to what is required and the necessary steps you'll need to take. Having acted on some of the most high-profile and complex SFO cases we understand what is required by our clients. We will provide you with a proactive, straightforward approach in tackling a potential investigation.
We have experience acting for both corporates and individuals caught up in SFO investigations. Our clients trust us to get the best possible outcome for them and we have the skills to negotiate for cases to be dropped before reaching court where possible.
If bribery and corruption or a serious fraud is suspected within a company, we also have vast experience conducting internal investigations to ensure any potential fraud is uncovered quickly and dealt with appropriately, including advising on the options and ramifications of whether a corporate should self-report any concerns to the SFO.
We also advise clients who might be vulnerable to an investigation by foreign law enforcement agencies such as the US Department of Justice and The US Securities and Exchange Commission.
