Financial Crime & Regulatory
Bribery & Corruption
Bribery and corruption inquiries can be devastating for the individuals and organisations concerned. Investigations, can hugely damage reputation and business.
All UK law enforcement authorities – including the Serious Fraud Office, (SFO), the National Crime Agency (NCA), and City of London Police – have prioritised, and stressed the importance of corruption and bribery investigations.
The Bribery Act 2010 and the introduction of the Deferred Prosecution Agreements have been game changers in how UK authorities investigate and prosecute allegations of corruption and bribery. As well as the Bribery Act 2010, many investigations continue under the old regime, such as under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906, the Prevention of Corruption Act 1916, the Public Bodies Corrupt Practices Act 1889, and common law offences of bribery.
Why choose Hodge Jones & Allen?
Experienced
We’ve acted in some of the largest ever investigations into corruption and bribery in the UK. We’ve been instructed by senior executives in the BAE corruption investigation, the SFO prosecution into a North Sea Oil exploration project, and the NCA investigation into the £1.2 billion sale of Northern Irish assets to a US investment fund.
Business knowledge
Our lawyers are highly experienced in different business areas. They know how and why different sectors operate in the way that they do. At the heart of bribery and corruption investigations is the relationship between those giving and receiving the alleged bribes. Our Financial Crime & Regulatory lawyers have industry experience and background that gives them a cutting edge with regard to this.
Financial transactions
Defending bribery and corruption allegations involves understanding complex financial transactions, tracing money or understanding how and why cash has been transferred from one account to another. Often this involves reviewing material in foreign jurisdictions. Our Financial Crime & Regulatory team are experts at navigating this complex area and instruct only carefully selected and experienced financial experts.
"Raj Chada acted as both my solicitor and barrister. Raj was excellent in both roles, understanding almost immediately that my case was all about the weaknesses of my interview. He was always very approachable and warm and we worked well together. He won the case for me with a unshowy style in the courtroom and a keen attention to detail."
Legal judgment
Our Financial Crime & Regulatory Team are known experts in the field. Raj Chada, Head of our Crime Team is the author of a leading legal practical guide– “Bribery, A Compliance Handbook” published by Bloomsbury Legal. We help individuals and organisations navigate the labyrinth of law by:
- Advising during an internal investigation
- Providing advice on devising new policies or monitoring mechanisms
- Negotiating with the SFO in connection with criminal investigations or prosecutions, including Deferred Prosecution Agreements
- Providing expert advice and representation when you’re investigated or prosecuted
"They're excellent: they are able to accommodate every level of case from the most complicated to the simplest, they've got the resources and deploy them well, and they're very proactive." - Chambers UK and Partners 2019
Featured cases
BAE Systems
Represented a senior executive at BAE Systems during the SFO corruption inquiry into deals with several countries. No further action was taken against the Executive after our representation.
UK company and the Australian Reserve Bank
Represented a defendant in criminal proceedings brought by the SFO into the Securency scandal. Securency was part owned by a UK company and the Australian Reserve Bank. It had allegedly secured contracts in relation to currency production in several countries by corruption. Joint investigation between SFO and Australian National Police, with defence investigations across Australia, Seychelles, Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa and the UK.
FH Bertiling
Represented an Executive in SFO prosecution into FH Bertling – The case was about corrupt payments in relation to the supply of freight forwarding services for a North Sea Oil exploration project, known as Jasmine. Executive was acquitted.
National Asset Management Agency
Represented an individual in relation to the NCA investigation into the sale by NAMA (National Asset Management Agency) of their Northern Ireland portfolio to a US Investment Fund for £1.2 billion.
How to get in touch?
Top ranked solicitors
Our top ranking team have years of experience representing the innocent. We stand up to the prosecution who will always be represented by an experienced solicitor or barrister. We know how to fight and win cases.
Here to help
Representing you at the Police Station or in Court If you need urgent representation call us today. Share a few details with us and we’ll tell you know how we can help you.
Call FREE 24 hours a day
If you are calling outside our office hours (9:30am to 5:30pm) call our free phone 24 hour telephone 0808 274 8226. There will always be someone at the other end of the telephone to assist you.
