Crime Unit

Specialist Serious & White-Collar Crime Defence

Founded in 2019, our Serious & White-Collar Crime Unit (SWCU) represents the latest evolution in criminal defence practice. Established in response to global market shifts, regulatory changes, and emerging criminal methodologies, we provide specialist legal and investigative services for Generation X claims.

Contact us today: 0203 909 8399 | Book a Consultation

What Is the Serious & White-Collar Crime Unit?

The SWCU is a unique practice combining legal excellence with investigative expertise. In today’s world, where fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes are facilitated by political, technological, and market changes, businesses need sophisticated protection. We provide comprehensive services from advisory through to complex contentious matters, ensuring your interests are protected against evolving criminal threats.

Our Unique Approach

We recognize that serious and financial crime claims cannot be handled by litigators alone. Our specialist approach applies institutional expertise and experience to resolve the complexities of serious and pecuniary claims through:

Multi-disciplinary team structure
Combined practical and theoretical expertise
International capabilities and connections
Preventive and reactive strategies
Technology-enabled investigations

Our Specialist Team

Unprecedented Expertise

For the first time in the City’s history, we’ve assembled a one-of-a-kind team comprising:

Former senior law enforcement chiefs
Academic specialists in Economic Crime
Financial investigators from government and private sectors
Foreign-jurisdiction qualified lawyers
Cybercrime and digital forensics experts
Intelligence and security professionals

Why This Matters

This unique combination of practitioners and theorists enables us to:

Handle cases expertly and expeditiously
Provide insights others cannot
Access networks and resources
Anticipate enforcement strategies
Deliver superior outcomes

Generation X Crime Challenges

Modern Criminal Threats

Today’s criminal landscape includes:

Cryptocurrency fraud and money laundering
Cross-border cybercrime operations
Complex corporate fraud schemes
Technology-enabled financial crimes
Regulatory arbitrage exploitation
Sophisticated organized crime networks

Market and Regulatory Shifts

Global regulatory harmonization
Enhanced enforcement cooperation
New financial crime legislation
Digital economy challenges
ESG compliance requirements
Sanctions and export controls

Comprehensive Service Offering

Protection Plans

Vulnerability assessments
Threat intelligence
Security protocols
Crisis preparedness
Incident response planning

Compliance Services

Regulatory compliance programs
AML/CTF systems
Internal controls design
Policy development
Training and awareness

Risk Advisory

Strategic risk assessment
Operational risk management
Regulatory risk mitigation
Reputational risk protection
Emerging threat monitoring

Litigation Services

Criminal defence representation
Regulatory enforcement defence
Civil fraud litigation
Asset recovery proceedings
International arbitration

Why Choose Connaught Law’s Crime Unit

Unique multi-disciplinary team composition
Former law enforcement leadership
Academic thought leadership
Global investigation capabilities
24/7 crisis response readiness

Our Competitive Advantage

First-of-its-kind team structure in the City
Unparalleled expertise combination
Proactive and reactive capabilities
Technology-forward approach
Global network and resources

Industries We Serve

Financial services and banking
Technology and telecommunications
Energy and natural resources
Healthcare and life sciences
Real estate and construction
Transportation and logistics

Next Steps

In today’s complex criminal landscape, you need more than traditional legal services. Our Serious & White-Collar Crime Unit provides the specialist expertise, investigative capabilities, and strategic insight to protect your interests. Call 0203 909 8399 or Book Online for confidential advice on serious and financial crime matters.

International Investigations

Cross-border criminal investigations require specialized expertise and global resources. Our international team coordinates complex multi-jurisdictional cases, working with foreign authorities and local counsel to protect clients' interests worldwide.

International Investigations

Our international investigations team handles complex cross-border criminal matters, leveraging global networks and multi-jurisdictional expertise to trace assets, gather evidence, and coordinate defence strategies across multiple countries.

Cross-Border Investigation Services

We provide comprehensive international support for:

Multi-jurisdictional fraud investigations
International money laundering cases
Cross-border asset tracing
Global corruption investigations
Transnational organized crime
International sanctions violations

Global Coordination Capabilities

Foreign Authority Liaison: Working with international law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies
Local Counsel Networks: Established relationships with leading criminal lawyers worldwide
Evidence Gathering: Cross-border document collection and witness coordination
Mutual Legal Assistance: MLAT applications and international cooperation treaties
Interpol Matters: Red Notice challenges and international arrest warrant defence

Jurisdictional Expertise

Key regions where we operate:

European Union member states
United States federal and state systems
Offshore financial centers
Asia-Pacific jurisdictions
Middle East and Africa
Latin American countries

International Enforcement Actions

Extradition proceedings defence
International arrest warrants
Cross-border freezing orders
Foreign judgment enforcement
Asset repatriation
Proceeds of crime recovery

Compliance Across Borders

Managing international compliance including:

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)
UK Bribery Act extraterritorial reach
EU Anti-Money Laundering Directives
International sanctions regimes
Cross-border data protection
Multi-jurisdictional reporting obligations

Corporate Governance

Strong corporate governance protects against criminal liability and regulatory sanctions. Our specialists design and implement governance frameworks that ensure compliance, prevent misconduct, and demonstrate corporate responsibility.

Corporate Governance

Effective corporate governance is essential for preventing criminal liability and regulatory breaches. Our team develops robust governance structures that protect directors, ensure compliance, and maintain stakeholder confidence while meeting evolving regulatory expectations.

Governance Framework Development

We create comprehensive systems including:

Board structure and composition
Director duties and responsibilities
Committee terms of reference
Decision-making protocols
Accountability mechanisms
Performance monitoring systems

Criminal Law Compliance

Corporate Criminal Liability: Preventing attribution of criminal conduct to the corporation
Directors’ Duties: Ensuring compliance with fiduciary and statutory obligations
Failure to Prevent Offences: Adequate procedures for bribery, tax evasion, and money laundering
Corporate Manslaughter: Health and safety governance systems
Market Abuse: Insider dealing and market manipulation controls

Risk Management Structures

Essential governance controls:

Enterprise risk management frameworks
Internal audit functions
Compliance monitoring programs
Whistleblowing procedures
Investigation protocols
Remediation processes

Regulatory Compliance Systems

FCA governance requirements
Listed company obligations
Sector-specific regulations
International standards compliance
ESG reporting frameworks
Data governance structures

Crisis Governance

When governance failures occur:

Board crisis management
Independent investigations
Regulatory notifications
Stakeholder communications
Remedial action plans
Governance reforms

Ongoing Governance Support

Board training and development
Governance health checks
Policy updates and reviews
Best practice implementation
Regulatory change management
Annual compliance audits

Regulatory Compliance & Contentious Matters

Regulatory compliance is crucial for businesses operating in today's highly regulated environment. We provide comprehensive compliance assessments and expert litigation support when disputes arise.

Regulatory Compliance & Contentious Matters

Our specialist team ensures your business maintains full regulatory compliance while providing robust defence in contentious proceedings. We understand the complexities of national and international standards affecting corporate operations.

Compliance Requirements

In a highly regulated world, businesses must navigate:

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations
Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) obligations
Data protection and GDPR compliance
Financial conduct regulations
International compliance standards
Industry-specific regulatory frameworks

Our Compliance Services

Compliance Assessments: Comprehensive reviews of current compliance status with detailed gap analysis and risk identification
Tailored Recommendations: Practical solutions for improving compliance procedures and tightening adherence to regulations
Investment Protection: Bespoke plans ensuring financial assets remain compliant and protected from regulatory risks
Policy Development: Creation and implementation of robust compliance policies and procedures

Contentious Regulatory Matters

When disputes arise, we provide:

Expert litigation services
Regulatory investigation defence
Enforcement action response
Appeals against regulatory decisions
Settlement negotiations

Who We Serve

Our regulatory compliance services benefit:

Corporate entities of all sizes
Charitable organizations
Financial institutions
International businesses
Regulated industries

Asset Tracing & Recovery

Expert asset tracing and recovery services for complex financial disputes. Our specialist team coordinates multi-jurisdictional investigations to locate and recover hidden or misappropriated assets worldwide.

Asset Tracing & Recovery

Our specialist asset recovery team handles complex, high-value claims with multi-jurisdictional elements. We combine legal expertise with investigative capabilities to trace hidden assets and secure their recovery through appropriate legal channels.

Asset Tracing Services

We deploy comprehensive strategies to locate assets:

Corporate structure analysis
Offshore entity investigations
Bank account identification
Property and real estate searches
Digital asset investigation
Cryptocurrency tracing

Recovery Mechanisms

Freezing Orders: Worldwide freezing injunctions to prevent asset dissipation
Disclosure Orders: Court orders compelling information about asset locations
Search Orders: Anton Piller orders for evidence preservation
Receivership: Appointment of receivers over assets
Enforcement: Execution of judgments across jurisdictions

Types of Claims We Handle

Our expertise covers:

Fraud and financial crime
Bankruptcy and insolvency matters
Corporate restructuring disputes
Breach of fiduciary duty
Money laundering proceeds
Cybercrime and data theft

Specialist Sectors

Beyond traditional claims, we handle emerging areas:

Cybersecurity breaches
Privacy violations
Data protection infringements
Intellectual property theft
Digital fraud schemes

Our Multi-Disciplinary Approach

We coordinate with:

Corporate crime investigators
Forensic accountants
International law firms
Offshore litigators
Cybersecurity experts
Private investigators

International Capabilities

Our global reach includes:

Multi-jurisdictional coordination
Offshore financial center expertise
Cross-border enforcement
International treaty utilization
Foreign judgment recognition

Risk Advisory Services

Navigate market volatility and regulatory changes with expert risk advisory services. We help businesses identify threats, implement controls, and forecast challenges to ensure operational resilience.

Risk Advisory Services

In today’s dynamic business environment, market shifts and regulatory changes demand vigilant, prescient decision-making. Our risk advisory team takes a proactive approach to help you maximize business performance while mitigating emerging threats.

Market & Regulatory Risks

Key areas of concern include:

Global fiscal policy changes
Financial regulation evolution
Market volatility impacts
Geopolitical uncertainties
Technology disruption risks
Environmental compliance requirements

Our Risk Advisory Approach

Risk Identification: Comprehensive assessment of current and emerging threats to your business operations
Threat Mitigation: Development of strategies to minimize exposure to identified risks
Control Design: Implementation of robust internal controls and governance frameworks
Future Forecasting: Predictive analysis of upcoming challenges and opportunities
Barrier Removal: Solutions to eliminate obstacles to successful business operations

Key Risk Categories

We address risks across:

Operational risks
Financial risks
Compliance risks
Strategic risks
Reputational risks
Cybersecurity risks

Proactive Risk Management

Our services include:

Risk assessment workshops
Scenario planning exercises
Business continuity planning
Crisis management protocols
Risk monitoring systems
Regular risk reviews

Benefits of Our Advisory

Enhanced decision-making capabilities
Improved operational resilience
Reduced exposure to threats
Better regulatory compliance
Competitive advantage
Stakeholder confidence

Industries We Serve

Specialized expertise in:

Financial services
Technology sector
Healthcare
Energy and utilities
Manufacturing
Retail and consumer goods

Commercial Fraud Defence

Comprehensive defence against commercial fraud allegations in criminal and civil proceedings. Our expert team handles all types of fraud claims from insider trading to cyber fraud with strategic precision.

Commercial Fraud Defence

Our specialist fraud defence team represents businesses and individuals facing commercial fraud allegations in both criminal and civil proceedings. We provide comprehensive defence strategies across the full spectrum of fraud claims, ensuring robust protection of your interests.

Types of Fraud We Defend

We handle allegations involving:

Insider trading and market abuse
Banking and financial fraud
Accounting fraud and false accounting
Invoice fraud and procurement fraud
Electronic and cyber fraud
Asset dissipation and depletion
Bribery and corruption
Secret commissions

Our Defence Services

Case Assessment: Thorough evaluation of allegations and evidence to identify weaknesses in prosecution case
Defence Strategy: Development of comprehensive defence approach tailored to specific circumstances
Pre-Action Services: Ensuring compliance with procedural protocols and preservation of defence position
Litigation Support: Expert representation through all stages of criminal or civil proceedings

Corporate Fraud Contexts

Common scenarios include:

Internal fraud investigations
Regulatory enforcement actions
Shareholder disputes
Joint venture conflicts
Supply chain fraud
Employee misconduct

Criminal vs Civil Proceedings

Criminal Defence: Representation in SFO, NCA, and police investigations; Crown Court proceedings; confiscation proceedings
Civil Defence: High Court fraud claims; freezing order applications; asset recovery defences; private prosecutions
Parallel Proceedings: Coordinated defence strategy when facing simultaneous criminal and civil actions

Investigation Response

Critical early steps:

Dawn raid protocols
Document preservation
Internal investigation management
Regulatory liaison
Media management
Stakeholder communications

Mitigation Strategies

We employ various approaches:

Compliance program evidence
Cooperation agreements
Deferred prosecution agreements
Settlement negotiations
Remediation measures
Leniency applications

Serious Crime & Investigations

Expert protection against serious organized crime. Our experienced investigators provide comprehensive security, investigation, and prevention services to safeguard businesses and individuals from sophisticated criminal threats.

Serious Crime & Investigations

Serious organized crime poses sophisticated threats to businesses and individuals. Our highly trained investigators, with years of experience dismantling criminal networks, provide comprehensive protection, investigation, and prevention services to safeguard your interests.

Understanding Serious Crime

Modern organized crime characteristics:

Highly sophisticated operations
Stealth tactics to avoid detection
Maximum harm and financial loss
Cross-border criminal networks
Advanced technology exploitation
Long-term infiltration strategies

Our Investigation Services

Criminal Network Analysis: Identifying and mapping organized crime group structures and operations
Asset Protection: Safeguarding valuable assets from criminal targeting and exploitation
Evidence Gathering: Rigorous investigation techniques to build strong cases
Victim Support: Comprehensive assistance for those affected by serious crime
Prosecution Support: Working with authorities to pursue criminal accountability

Protective Security Services

Strengthening resilience through:

Security audits and assessments
Vulnerability identification
Physical security enhancements
Cybersecurity measures
Personnel vetting procedures
Counter-surveillance protocols

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Threat assessment and profiling
Preventive security measures
Early warning systems
Crisis response planning
Business continuity protocols
Recovery procedures

Response Plans

When criminal acts occur:

Immediate incident response
Evidence preservation
Law enforcement liaison
Damage limitation strategies
Stakeholder communications
Recovery operations

Making You Less Attractive to Criminals

Long-term protection through:

Hardening security posture
Improving detection capabilities
Enhanced staff awareness
Robust compliance procedures
Regular security reviews
Industry intelligence sharing

Types of Serious Crime We Combat

Organized fraud rings
Money laundering operations
Corporate espionage
Extortion and blackmail
Kidnap and ransom
Cybercrime syndicates

Crisis Management

Expert crisis management for critical incidents when threats are highest. Our decades of experience ensure rapid response, control restoration, and evidence preservation during your most vulnerable moments.

Crisis Management

When critical incidents strike, the “golden hour” response determines outcomes. With decades of crisis management experience, we provide immediate support when organizations are most exposed and vulnerable, ensuring rapid control, operational continuity, and evidence preservation.

The Golden Hour Response

Critical first actions when crisis hits:

Immediate threat assessment
Rapid response deployment
Command structure establishment
Stakeholder notifications
Media management
Evidence preservation

Crisis Types We Manage

Our expertise covers:

Cyber attacks and data breaches
Fraud and financial crime discovery
Regulatory investigations
Reputational threats
Security incidents
Corporate scandals

Gaining Control Quickly

Situation Assessment: Understanding the full scope and nature of the crisis
Threat Containment: Preventing further damage or escalation
Decision Framework: Establishing clear command and control protocols
Resource Mobilization: Deploying necessary personnel and assets
Communication Strategy: Managing internal and external messaging

Understanding the Attack

Comprehensive analysis includes:

Attack vector identification
Perpetrator profiling
Damage assessment
Vulnerability analysis
Timeline reconstruction
Impact evaluation

Operational Continuity

Resuming operations through:

Tested contingency arrangements
Business continuity protocols
Alternative operational procedures
Critical function prioritization
Stakeholder reassurance
Recovery planning

Evidence Gathering & Prosecution

Digital forensics
Document preservation
Witness statements
Chain of custody maintenance
Law enforcement liaison
Prosecution support

Long-Term Recovery

Post-crisis services include:

Lessons learned analysis
Security improvements
Policy updates
Training programs
Reputation rehabilitation
Legal proceedings support

Crime Unit

Specialist Serious & White-Collar Crime Defence

What Is the Serious & White-Collar Crime Unit?

Our Unique Approach

Our Specialist Team

Unprecedented Expertise

Why This Matters

Generation X Crime Challenges

Modern Criminal Threats

Market and Regulatory Shifts

Comprehensive Service Offering

Protection Plans

Compliance Services

Risk Advisory

Litigation Services

Why Choose Connaught Law’s Crime Unit

Our Competitive Advantage

Industries We Serve

Next Steps

SPECIALIST CRIME UNIT SERVICES

International Investigations

Cross-Border Investigation Services

Global Coordination Capabilities

Jurisdictional Expertise

International Enforcement Actions

Compliance Across Borders

Corporate Governance

Governance Framework Development

Criminal Law Compliance

Risk Management Structures

Regulatory Compliance Systems

Crisis Governance

Ongoing Governance Support

Regulatory Compliance & Contentious Matters

Compliance Requirements

Our Compliance Services

Contentious Regulatory Matters

Who We Serve

Asset Tracing & Recovery

Asset Tracing Services

Recovery Mechanisms

Types of Claims We Handle

Specialist Sectors

Our Multi-Disciplinary Approach

International Capabilities

Risk Advisory Services

Market & Regulatory Risks

Our Risk Advisory Approach

Key Risk Categories

Proactive Risk Management

Benefits of Our Advisory

Industries We Serve

Commercial Fraud Defence

Types of Fraud We Defend

Our Defence Services

Corporate Fraud Contexts

Criminal vs Civil Proceedings

Investigation Response

Mitigation Strategies

Serious Crime & Investigations

Understanding Serious Crime

Our Investigation Services

Protective Security Services

Risk Mitigation Strategies

Response Plans

Making You Less Attractive to Criminals

Types of Serious Crime We Combat

Crisis Management

The Golden Hour Response

Crisis Types We Manage

Gaining Control Quickly

Understanding the Attack

Operational Continuity

Evidence Gathering & Prosecution

Long-Term Recovery