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Best Criminal Defence Solicitors for London and the UK. Stokoe Partnership expert lawyers are renowned for being top law firm attorneys for both legal aid and private cases of all complexities.
We are a best-in-class criminal defence solicitor law firm for London & UK with renowned top lawyers for legal aid and private cases of all complexities.
Described by leading legal directories as “one of the leading defence firms in the country”, Stokoe Partnership Solicitors handles a broad range of serious and organised crime cases. We are experts at handling matters relating to cybercrime and hacking, and act for both privately funded and legal aid clients.
We also handle investigations launched by UK authorities, including the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the National Crime Agency (NCA), and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
The professional legal directories like Legal 500 and Chambers consistently rank our lawyers highly for crime, fraud, white-collar crime and financial crime.
Contact Our Best-In-Class Criminal Defence Solicitors | Stokoe Partnership Top Expert London & UK Lawyers for Legal Aid & Private Cases of all complexities.
To contact our expert criminal defence lawyers, call our leading specialist solicitor attorneys on 0203 427 5710 or go to https://www.stokoepartnership.com/contact/
We have been involved in many of the leading and high profile cases of recent years and our experience is invaluable in representing both individuals and companies.
The Chambers Guide recognises Stokoe Partnership Solicitors as:
“Dedicated criminal defence boutique noted for its expert handling of serious crime cases”
Chambers Legal Directory
Top Criminal Defence London Law Firm | Stokoe Partnership Attorney Lawyers
The Legal 500 Guide describes us as:
“tough and fearless, one of the leading defence firms in the country”
They further note that
“ we instil confidence and have a wide range of clients both domestically and increasingly, internationally”.
LEGAL 500
Best Criminal Defence Solicitors | London Law Firm | Stokoe Partnership
Criminal Defence Services
Arrest and Search Warrants
READ MOREBribery & Corruption
READ MOREBusiness Crime
READ MORECash Seizure/Detention & Forfeiture
READ MOREConfiscation, Restraint Orders & Receivership
READ MORECorporate Manslaughter
READ MORECyber Crime
READ MOREDriving Offences
READ MOREDrug Offences
READ MOREExtradition
READ MOREFirearms
READ MOREFraud
READ MOREInsider Dealing & Market abuse
READ MOREJudicial Reviews
READ MOREKidnapping
READ MORELegal Aid
READ MOREMoney Laundering
READ MOREMurder
READ MORERobbery
READ MORESexual Offences
READ MOREOur Top-Rated Criminal Defence Solicitors
Criminal Defence News
05 Sep 2024
Partner Amjid Jabbar examines Unexplained Wealth Orders in The Times
Six years after they were first introduced, Partner Amjid Jabbar argues that Unexplained Wealth Orders have yet to prove themselves to be the “silver bullet” in the fight against financial crime as they were initially heralded as.
READ MOREREAD MORE05 Sep 2024
Partner Amjid Jabbar examines Unexplained Wealth Orders in The Times
READ MORE15 Jul 2024
Partner Ernest Aduwa comments on diary evidence in The Daily Mail
Partner Ernest Aduwa comments on how diary evidence can play a pivotal role in criminal prosecutions and murder trials.
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02 Jul 2024
Partner Ernest Aduwa comments on online sleuths and police investigations in The i Paper
Partner Ernest Aduwa comments on how online sleuths and conspiracy theories can hamper criminal investigations, in The i Paper.
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25 Jun 2024
Partner Richard Cannon comments on money laundering in Financial Accountant
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the recent seizure of gold bullion and artwork from a convicted money launderer.
READ MOREREAD MORE25 Jun 2024
Partner Richard Cannon comments on money laundering in Financial Accountant
READ MORE07 May 2024
Partner Ernest Aduwa and Solicitor Jessica Sarwat explore the court backlog in Law360
Partner Ernest Aduwa and Solicitor Jessica Sarwat examine the reasons behind the current backlog across the judicial system.
READ MORE
26 Apr 2024
Partner Richard Cannon comments on overturned convictions in Metro
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the recent news that Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 conviction has been overturned on the basis that he did not receive a fair trial.
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25 Apr 2024
Solicitor Antony Lane discusses the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill in Solicitors Journal
Solicitor Antony Lane explores the landmark piece of legislation aimed at exonerating those wrongly convicted as part of the Horizon scandal.
READ MOREREAD MORE25 Apr 2024
Solicitor Antony Lane discusses the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill in Solicitors Journal
READ MORE23 Apr 2024
Solicitor Advocate Abigail Ashford explores the case of Andrew Malkinson in Solicitors Journal
Solicitor Advocate Abigail Ashford discussed the tragic case of Andrew Malkinson and its far-reaching impact on the entirety of the legal system.
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22 Apr 2024
Solicitor Rubin Italia explores assisted dying legislation in the Law Society Gazette
Solicitor Rubin Italia discussed the proposed reform to assisted dying legislation and the importance of introducing appropriate safeguards.
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09 Apr 2024
Barrister Jessica Sobey comments on the reliability of communications data used in criminal trials in Computer Weekly
Barrister Jessica Sobey comments on the discovery of errors discovered in O2 phone data, and the risk computer evidence presented as reliable may be fundamentally flawed.
READ MOREREAD MORE09 Apr 2024
Barrister Jessica Sobey comments on the reliability of communications data used in criminal trials in Computer Weekly
READ MORE08 Apr 2024
Barrister Jessica Sobey explores mobile phone evidence in Law360
Barrister Jessica Sobey discusses the Home Office probe launched after it was found that faulty mobile phone data was believed to have been used as evidence in criminal cases.
READ MORE
18 Mar 2024
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the Mike Lynch fraud trial in Law360
Partner Richard Cannon comments on recent developments in the US fraud trial of Ex-Autonomy CEO Mike Lynch.
READ MORE
08 Mar 2024
Solicitor Rubin Italia acts for claimants who spent seven years ‘Released Under Investigation’
Solicitor Rubin Italia was recently instructed by claimants who were under police investigation for over seven years and brought an action against the Metropolitan Police for the delay that has been caused and their failure to abide by their own policy.
READ MOREREAD MORE08 Mar 2024
Solicitor Rubin Italia acts for claimants who spent seven years ‘Released Under Investigation’
READ MORE09 Feb 2024
Partner Maria Theodoulou discusses computer evidence in Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence
With the recent dramatisation of the Post Office scandal throwing reliance on computer evidence into the spotlight, Partner Maria Theodoulou explores the legal presumptions surrounding digital evidence.
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19 Oct 2023
Stokoe Partnership Solicitors ranked in Chambers & Partners UK 2024
Stokoe Partnership Solicitors has been ranked for its Crime, POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture expertise in the Chambers & Partners UK 2024 Guide.
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27 Apr 2023
Solicitor Rubin Italia comments on issues facing the criminal justice system in Law360.
Solicitor Rubin Italia discusses the current court backlog and issues facing the criminal justice system, in Law360.
READ MOREREAD MORE27 Apr 2023
Solicitor Rubin Italia comments on issues facing the criminal justice system in Law360.
READ MORE20 Jan 2023
Solicitor Rubin Italia comments on the importance of legal aid in Law360
Solicitor Rubin Italia examines the vital role of legal aid in the criminal justice system in Law360.
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12 Jan 2023
Founding Partner Bambos Tsiattalou examines the controversies surrounding the Serious Fraud Office in The Times
Founding Partner Bambos Tsiattalou discusses the failings of the SFO and the suggestions of a merger with the CPS in The Times.
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19 Dec 2022
Partner Richard Cannon comments on legal developments in the Sam Bankman-Fried case in the cryptocurrency press
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the FTX case following the arrest of Sam Bankman-Fried in Cointelegraph, The Coin Republic and WealthBriefing Asia.
READ MOREREAD MORE19 Dec 2022
Partner Richard Cannon comments on legal developments in the Sam Bankman-Fried case in the cryptocurrency press
READ MORE07 Dec 2022
Partner Richard Cannon discusses how cryptocurrency has become a playground for fraudsters in Cointelegraph
Partner Richard Cannon discusses the increasing prevalence of investment fraud and white collar crime in the digital assets market.
READ MORE
30 Nov 2022
Partner Richard Cannon examines fraud in the digital asset market in WealthBriefing
Partner Richard Cannon analyses cryptocurrency and digital asset fraud in the wake of the FTX collapse in WealthBriefing.
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25 Nov 2022
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the UK’s largest anti-fraud operation in Law360
Parter Richard Cannon examines the UK’s biggest anti-fraud operation and the likelihood of compensation for victims of banking fraud in Law360.
READ MOREREAD MORE25 Nov 2022
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the UK’s largest anti-fraud operation in Law360
READ MORE11 Nov 2022
Partner Amjid Jabbar comments on reforms to the confiscation regime
Partner Amjid Jabbar analyses the confiscation regime and the proposals of the Law Commission of England and Wales to overhaul the current system.
READ MORE
29 Sep 2022
Stokoe Partnership ranked in The Legal 500 UK Guide 2023
Stokoe Partnership Solicitors has been ranked in The Legal 500 UK 2023 guide for ‘Crime: General’ and ‘Fraud: White Collar Crime (Advice to Individuals)’. Please see below a list of the full rankings and commentary […]
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27 Sep 2022
Partner Amjid Jabbar Comments on the Government’s Economic Crime Bill
Partner Amjid Jabbar comments in Law360 on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill’s potential effects on the legal industry.
READ MOREREAD MORE27 Sep 2022
Partner Amjid Jabbar Comments on the Government’s Economic Crime Bill
READ MORE23 Sep 2022
Partner Amjid Jabbar comments on the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill in Law360
Partner Amjid Jabbar comments on the effectiveness of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill in tackling economic crime in Law360.
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20 Sep 2022
Partner Richard Cannon comments on cryptocurrency fraud in Law360
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the rise of cryptocurrency fraud, investment scams and Ponzi Schemes in Law360.
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16 Sep 2022
Partner Brian Swan comments in The Guardian on his client facing four years on remand without trial
Partner Brian Swan comments in relation to his client, Voja Petkovic, facing at least four years and three months on remand in jail without trial and despite not having been convicted of any of the charges brought against him.
READ MOREREAD MORE16 Sep 2022
Partner Brian Swan comments in The Guardian on his client facing four years on remand without trial
READ MORE09 Jun 2022
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou selected for inclusion in the 11th Edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou has been recognised in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom.
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06 Jun 2022
Abigail Ashford analyses the issues facing the criminal justice system
Solicitor Advocate Abigail Ashford examines the crisis faced by the criminal courts in Solicitors Journal.
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30 May 2022
Abigail Ashford examines the criminal justice system
Solicitor Advocate Abigail Ashford analyses the issues prevalent in the criminal justice system in Edward Fennell’s Legal Diary.
READ MOREREAD MORE30 May 2022
Abigail Ashford examines the criminal justice system
READ MORE05 May 2022
Partner Amjid Jabbar comments in The Times re the SFO’s case against G4S
Partner Amjid Jabbar comments in The Times re the outsourcing of disclosure by the SFO following several high profile failures in previous cases against Unaoil and Serco.
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28 Apr 2022
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou discusses the Economic Crime Bill
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou examines the Economic Crime Act 2022 and its effectiveness in fighting financial crime in The Times.
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15 Feb 2022
Richard Cannon featured in The Law Society Gazette’s ‘Lawyer in the News’
Partner Richard Cannon was featured in the Lawyer in the News section of The Law Society Gazette in relation to the Corey De Rose case.
READ MOREREAD MORE15 Feb 2022
Richard Cannon featured in The Law Society Gazette’s ‘Lawyer in the News’
READ MORE08 Feb 2022
Richard Cannon comments on US government’s decision not to appeal Corey De Rose extradition ruling
Partner Richard Cannon comments on US government’s decision not to appeal the Court’s ruling to discharge an extradition request for Corey De Rose. Richard’s comments were published in Law360, 7 February 2022. Corey de Rose […]
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31 Jan 2022
Richard Cannon comments on the imbalance in the UK and US agreement in the Mike Lynch extradition ruling
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the imbalance in the extradition agreement between the UK and the US in relation to the Mike Lynch extradition case.
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24 Jan 2022
Richard Cannon comments on client Corey de Rose, who was discharged from an extradition request made by the Government of the United States
Richard Cannon comments on Corey de Rose, alleged hacker who was discharged by DJ Griffiths from an extradition request made by the Government of the United States.
READ MOREREAD MORE24 Jan 2022
Richard Cannon comments on client Corey de Rose, who was discharged from an extradition request made by the Government of the United States
READ MORE11 Jan 2022
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the Attorney General’s investigation into the SFO, in Law360
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the Attorney General’s investigation into the SFO, in Law360, following the Zaid Akle decision.
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07 Jan 2022
Criminal courts are no playground – Maria Theodoulou
Partner Maria Theodoulou examines private prosecution in The Law Society Gazette and discusses the downfalls of the current system.
READ MORE
06 Jan 2022
Bambos Tsiattalou discusses crypto assets and white-collar crime
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou discusses the relationship between crypto assets and white-collar crime, in The Fintech Times.
READ MOREREAD MORE06 Jan 2022
Bambos Tsiattalou discusses crypto assets and white-collar crime
READ MORE16 Dec 2021
Richard Cannon comments on the future of the SFO, in The Times
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the future of the SFO, in The Times, following the decision by the Court of Appeal last week to quash the bribery conviction of a manager at Unaoil.
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14 Dec 2021
Richard Cannon comments in relation to the Court of Appeal overturning Unaoil conviction
Partner Richard Cannon comments in Compliance Week and Law360 in relation to the Court of Appeal’s recent decision to overturn the bribery conviction of a former Unaoil Group manager.
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14 Dec 2021
Bambos Tsiattalou examines whether cryptocurrency regulation goes far enough to mitigate white-collar crime
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou examines whether cryptocurrency regulation goes far enough to mitigate white-collar crime, in banking and financial services publication, IBS Intelligence.
READ MOREREAD MORE14 Dec 2021
Bambos Tsiattalou examines whether cryptocurrency regulation goes far enough to mitigate white-collar crime
READ MORE26 Nov 2021
Partner Richard Cannon writes for Lawyer Monthly re the Amec bribery case
Partner Richard Cannon discusses in Lawyer Monthly the recent decision by the SFO to drop their investigation into individuals for their alleged involvement in bribery at Amec Foster Wheeler Plc.
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25 Oct 2021
Stokoe Partnership Solicitors ranked in Chambers & Partners UK 2022
Stokoe Partnership Solicitors retains leading firm status in the Chambers UK Guide for Crime and POCA.
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20 Oct 2021
Fiduciary Duties and the liability to account: setting a proper limit
Partner Richard Cannon examines fiduciary duties, the divergence in outcomes between different jurisdictions and account of profits. This article was published on Lexology and can be found here. Fiduciary duties have a long history. Cicero, […]
READ MOREREAD MORE20 Oct 2021
Fiduciary Duties and the liability to account: setting a proper limit
READ MORE13 Oct 2021
Stokoe continues growth with the acquisition of two more criminal defence solicitors
Specialist criminal defence and litigation boutique law firm, Stokoe Partnership Solicitors, today announces the appointment of two new solicitors, Abigail Ashford from Reeds Solicitors and Antony Lane from law firm Leslie Franks. These appointments follow […]
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11 Oct 2021
Richard Cannon comments on the Petrofac fine in Compliance Week
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the implications of the new Petrofac fine, including a rise in the firm’s stock prices, in Compliance Week. Richard’s comments were published in Compliance Week, 8 October 2021, and can […]
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05 Oct 2021
Richard Cannon comments on the recent Petrofac SFO plea deal in Law360
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the recent news that the SFO ordered Petrofac to pay $95m after failing to prevent bribery, in Law360. Richard’s comments were published in Law360, 4 October 2021, and can be […]
READ MOREREAD MORE05 Oct 2021
Richard Cannon comments on the recent Petrofac SFO plea deal in Law360
READ MORE29 Sep 2021
Stokoe Partnership ranked in The Legal 500 UK Guide 2022
Stokoe Partnership Solicitors has been ranked in The Legal 500 UK 2022 guide for ‘Crime: General’ and ‘Fraud: White Collar Crime (Advice to Individuals)’. Please see below a list of the full rankings and commentary […]
READ MORE
23 Jul 2021
Richard Cannon comments in The Times re the Mike Lynch extradition ruling
Partner Richard Cannon comments on the news that a judge at Westminster Magistrates’ Court has ruled that Mike Lynch can be extradited to the US, in The Times. Richard’s comments were published in The Times, […]
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10 Jun 2021
Bambos Tsiattalou writes in The Times re the recent GCHQ mass data interception ECHR ruling
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou examines in The Times the recent European Court of Human Rights ruling in relation to GCHQ’s data interception practices. A version of Bambos’s article was published in The Times, 10 June 2021, […]
READ MOREREAD MORE10 Jun 2021
Bambos Tsiattalou writes in The Times re the recent GCHQ mass data interception ECHR ruling
READ MORE03 Jun 2021
Bambos Tsiattalou selected for inclusion in the 10th Edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou has been selected for inclusion in the 10th Edition of The Best Lawyers in the United Kingdom. Best Lawyers is a peer review guide to the legal profession, providing lawyer rankings […]
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18 May 2021
Bambos Tsiattalou discusses the Mike Lynch extradition case in The Barrister Magazine
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou examines the Mike Lynch extradition case and discusses the imbalance in transatlantic extradition arrangements. Bambos’ article was published in the May editon of The Barrister Magazine and can be found on page […]
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30 Apr 2021
Richard Cannon comments in Law360 in relation to the recent Skat cum-ex judgment
Partner Richard Cannon comments in relation to the recent Skat cum-ex judgment, in Law360. Richard’s comments were published in Law360, 29 April 2021, and can be found here. “The judgment is clear that the decided […]
READ MOREREAD MORE30 Apr 2021
Richard Cannon comments in Law360 in relation to the recent Skat cum-ex judgment
READ MORE13 Apr 2021
Specialist financial crime and extradition partner joins Stokoe Partnership Central London office
Stokoe Partnership Solicitors is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Cannon as a partner to its Central London offices. Richard joins Stokoe Partnership Solicitors from Gunnercooke, where he was a partner. Prior to this […]
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17 Mar 2021
Bambos Tsiattalou comments in Daily Express re the FCA proceedings against NatWest
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments in relation to the FCA launching criminal money laundering proceedings against NatWest, in Daily Express. Bambos’ comments were published in Daily Express, 17 March 2021, and can be found on pg […]
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01 Mar 2021
Rich suspected criminals whose assets are frozen ‘should no longer receive legal aid’
Partner Brian Swan examines recent proposals by the Law Commission to stop rich suspected criminals from receiving legal aid and discusses how this proposal seeks to reverse the position implemented by the Proceeds of Crime […]
READ MOREREAD MORE01 Mar 2021
Rich suspected criminals whose assets are frozen ‘should no longer receive legal aid’
READ MORE25 Feb 2021
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou writes for The Times regarding EncroChat investigation
Writing for The Times, Partner Bambos Tsiattalou examines the EncroChat investigation, its implications on the right to privacy and whether the investigation sets a precedent for prosecutors to widen their investigation powers. Bambos’ article was […]
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09 Feb 2021
Bambos Tsiattalou comments in Compliance Week on SFO jurisdiction ruling
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on theSFO’s attempt to flout jurisdiction rules in Compliance Week. Bambos’ comments were published in Compliance Week, 8 February 2021, and can be found here. Bambos’ comments were also published in […]
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01 Feb 2021
FCA Trader Chat Warning Hints At Virus Misconduct Probes – Bambos Tsiattalou
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments in Law360 on FCA’s recent market watch on electronic communications due to a shift to remote working. Bambos’ comments were published in Law360, 28 January 2021, and can be found here. […]
READ MOREREAD MORE01 Feb 2021
FCA Trader Chat Warning Hints At Virus Misconduct Probes – Bambos Tsiattalou
READ MORE01 Feb 2021
Rich suspects, frozen assets and legal aid – Brian Swan
Partner Brian Swan examines proposals by the Law Commission to stop rich suspected criminals of receiving legal aid, in The Law Society Gazette. Brian’s article was published in The Law Society Gazette, 1 February 2021, […]
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25 Jan 2021
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the crypto industry in Cryptonews
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the crypto industry in relation to regulator scrutiny, in Cryptonews, 23 January 2021. Read Bambos’ full comments here. “The eventual EU regime looks set to require companies offering a cryptocurrency […]
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15 Jan 2021
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on Mike Lynch extradition
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments in relation to ex-ministers saying the UK must now allow Mike Lynch to be extradited to the US.
READ MOREREAD MORE15 Jan 2021
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on Mike Lynch extradition
READ MORE15 Jan 2021
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the SFO closing its investigation into British American Tobacco
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments in the Evening Standard in relation to the news that the SFO have closed their investigation into British American Tobacco after three years.
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15 Jan 2021
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on Bitcoin facing regulatory scrutiny in Business Insider
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments in Business Insider in relation to regulators sharpening their focus on bitcoin and its use in the international financial system.
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07 Jan 2021
US Faces Tough Ask To Overturn Assange Extradition Ruling – Brian Swan
Partner Brian Swan comments on the recent decision by UK courts to block the extradition of Julian Assange to the US on health grounds, in Law360.
READ MOREREAD MORE07 Jan 2021
US Faces Tough Ask To Overturn Assange Extradition Ruling – Brian Swan
READ MORE06 Jan 2021
The Law Commission’s Proposed Reform of Misconduct in Public Office – Michael Sophocleous
Partner Michael Sophocleous examines the Law Commission’s proposed reform to the current common-law offence of misconduct in public office and assesses its merits, in Lawyer Monthly.
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18 Dec 2020
Credit Suisse Charged Over Bulgarian Wrestler’s Cocaine Smuggling Ring – Bambos Tsiattalou
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the news that Switzerland’s federal prosecutor has filed charges against Credit Suisse for allegedly facilitating money laundering “on a grand scale”.
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06 Nov 2020
CJEU ruling preserves individual privacy in criminal investigations – Bambos Tsiattalou
Partner, Bambos Tsiattalou examines the recent Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruling which states that bulk data retention regimes must be brought within EU law and what this means for authorities such as the National Crime Agency (NCA) and their investigations.
READ MOREREAD MORE06 Nov 2020
CJEU ruling preserves individual privacy in criminal investigations – Bambos Tsiattalou
READ MORE22 Oct 2020
Stokoe Partnership Solicitors ranked in Chambers & Partners UK 2021
Stokoe Partnership Solicitors are pleased to have been ranked in the Chambers & Partners UK 2021 Guide.
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19 Oct 2020
Law Commission’s new idea for Confiscation Orders is unfair – Brian Swan
Partner Brian Swan discusses why the Law Commission’s new idea for Confiscation Orders is unfair, in Law360.
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15 Oct 2020
Michael Sophocleous comments in The Canary
Partner Michael Sophocleous comments in The Canary in relation to custody extensions resulting in more guilty pleas.
READ MOREREAD MORE15 Oct 2020
Michael Sophocleous comments in The Canary
READ MORE01 Oct 2020
Brian Swan writes in The Times re criminals paying back ill-gotten gains or returning to prison
Partner Brian Swan discusses why the recent proposal from the law commission, that criminals must pay back their ill-gotten gains or face returning to prison, is unfair, in The Times.
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22 Jul 2020
Private criminal prosecutions in the headlines | Bambos Tsiattalou
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou discusses private prosecutions, offering insight to their shortcomings and benefits, in Lawyer Monthly.
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21 Jul 2020
COVID-19 pressures will lead to more whistleblowing | Bambos Tsiattalou
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou discusses the recent rise in whistleblowing complaints made to the FCA and why companies should be aware of this moving forward, especially in the COVID-19 era.
READ MOREREAD MORE21 Jul 2020
COVID-19 pressures will lead to more whistleblowing | Bambos Tsiattalou
READ MORE16 Jul 2020
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the NCAs use of unexplained wealth orders
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments in Edward Fennell’s Legal Diary in relation to the National Crime Agency facing a £1.5 million legal bill for using an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) in one of its investigations.
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14 Apr 2020
Ruling casts doubt over scope of UK anti-corruption powers
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou discusses recent NCA loss on the Kazakh UWOs case.
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30 Mar 2020
UWOs and The Court of Appeal’s rejection of an appeal by Mrs Zamira Hajiyeva
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou discusses UWOs and The Court of Appeal’s rejection of an appeal by Mrs Zamira Hajiyeva.
READ MOREREAD MORE30 Mar 2020
UWOs and The Court of Appeal’s rejection of an appeal by Mrs Zamira Hajiyeva
READ MORE23 Mar 2020
SFO must radically overhaul prosecution approach
The reputation of the Serious Fraud Office is in tatters after three Barclays executives were acquitted of fraud charges by a jury at the Old Bailey last month.
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02 Mar 2020
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments re SFO Barclays acquittal
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments in relation to the recent acquittal of three former Barclays executives and the repercussions of this for the SFO.
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13 Feb 2020
Airbus contractors feel the impact from record fine
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments in relation to the possibility of a fall-out for Airbus’ contractors in the wake of the record-breaking bribery settlement the company agreed last week, in Compliance Week. Bambos’ comments were […]
READ MOREREAD MORE13 Feb 2020
Airbus contractors feel the impact from record fine
READ MORE05 Feb 2020
‘Antiquated’ fraud laws thwarting justice, says SFO director
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments in relation to the director of the SFO criticising the UK’s fraud laws, in The Law Society Gazette.
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20 Jan 2020
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou writes in FT Adviser in relation to the cum-ex investigation
Partner Bambos Tisattalou discusses the large-scale investigation of cum-ex trading spreading across Europe and the fallout that will inevitably hit the UK, in the FTAdviser.
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09 Jan 2020
SFO Rediscovers Appetite for Big-Ticket Prosecutions
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the SFO announcing charges against two former Serco executives for fraud and false accounting, in Law360.
READ MOREREAD MORE09 Jan 2020
SFO Rediscovers Appetite for Big-Ticket Prosecutions
READ MORE12 Dec 2019
EU Tax Scandal Is Sure To Reach London
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou discusses a new tax scandal brewing in the EU as a result of questionable equity trading practice cum-ex.
READ MORE
27 Nov 2019
Swerving SWIFT: the story behind Westpac’s money-laundering calamity
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the recent Westpac money laundering scandal in relation to flaws in current anti-money laundering practices and systems used by banks. Bambos’ comments were published in Michael West News, 22 […]
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28 Oct 2019
EY helped smuggle drug money, BBC claims
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the news that an investigation by the BBC and Premieres Lignes, a French media agency, claims that EY aided the laundering of drug money.
READ MOREREAD MORE28 Oct 2019
EY helped smuggle drug money, BBC claims
READ MORE10 Oct 2019
Stokoe Partnership Solicitors ranked in Chambers UK 2020
Stokoe Partnership Solicitors are pleased to have been ranked in the Chambers UK 2020 Guide.
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01 Oct 2019
Bambos Tsiattalou comments on Swiss banking spying scandal
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the news that Credit Suisse COO, Pierre-Olivier Bouee, has resigned over the spying scandal.
READ MORE
27 Sep 2019
ABN Amro investigation lends weight to anti-money laundering collaboration by Dutch banks
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou discusses the news that Dutch prosecutors investigate bank ABN Amro for failing to prevent money laundering over a long period of time.
READ MOREREAD MORE27 Sep 2019
ABN Amro investigation lends weight to anti-money laundering collaboration by Dutch banks
READ MORE27 Sep 2019
Stokoe Partnership ranked in The Legal 500 UK Guide 2020
Stokoe Partnership Solicitors has been ranked in The Legal 500 UK 2020 guide for ‘Crime: General’ and ‘Fraud: White Collar Crime’.
READ MORE
23 Sep 2019
Dr Duško Knežević attends extradition hearing
On 19 September Dr Dusko Knezevic voluntarily attended City of London Magistrates’ Court for the commencement of extradition proceedings, pursuant to an extradition request issued by the Montenegrin government. Dr Knezevic made it clear to […]
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23 Sep 2019
Facebook’s plan to introduce its own cryptocurrency
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou discusses Facebook’s plans to introduce its own cryptocurrency.
READ MOREREAD MORE23 Sep 2019
Facebook’s plan to introduce its own cryptocurrency
READ MORE23 Sep 2019
Swedbank Admits AML Failures
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the recent news that Swedbank admitted to failings in its anti-money laundering work.
READ MORE
17 Sep 2019
Global regulators scrutinise Facebook’s cryptocurrency ambitions
Partner, Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the global anti-money laundering watchdog is closely monitoring developments on Facebook’s planned Libra cryptocurrency, in the latest sign of growing regulatory scrutiny of the project.
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16 Sep 2019
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments in City AM re US DOJ charging JP Morgan traders
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the recently published news that the US Department of Justice (DoJ) has charged JP Morgan precious metals traders with market manipulation and ‘racketeering’.
READ MOREREAD MORE16 Sep 2019
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments in City AM re US DOJ charging JP Morgan traders
READ MORE05 Sep 2019
SFO widens investigation into £236m minibond scandal
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou discusses the legal status of the SFO’s recent arrests in connection with a £236m minibond scandal.
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19 Aug 2019
Criminals favour investment scams over pensions thefts
Partner Maria Theodoulou comments on criminals favouring investment scams over pension thefts, in The i paper.
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16 Aug 2019
Lessons From The Global Forestry Investments Scheme
Partner Maria Theodoulou discusses the Serious Fraud Office’s (SFO) charging of Andrew Skeene and the positive impact authorities working together has on ensuring investigations take place.
READ MOREREAD MORE16 Aug 2019
Lessons From The Global Forestry Investments Scheme
READ MORE01 Aug 2019
Bambos Tsiattalou comments in Thomson Reuters in relation to Unexplained Wealth Orders
Bambos Tsiattalou comments on the news that unexplained wealth orders against politically exposed persons trigger a due diligence alert for banks.
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30 Jul 2019
Risk of investing in ethical or alternative investment schemes: SFO charges Andrew Skeene
Partner Maria Theodoulou discusses the risk of investing in ethical or alternative investment schemes: SFO charges Andrew Skeene.
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01 Jul 2019
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou attends the Legal Business Commercial Litigation Summit 2019
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou is today attending the Legal Business Commercial Litigation Summit 2019.
READ MOREREAD MORE01 Jul 2019
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou attends the Legal Business Commercial Litigation Summit 2019
READ MORE20 Jun 2019
Law Society finds criminal justice system at ‘breaking point’
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments on The Law Society’s findings that the criminal justice system is under increasing pressure, reducing people’s access to justice and having negative impacts on their lives.
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07 Jun 2019
The dangers of grey market goods to consumers and sellers
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou examines the dangers to consumers and sellers of ‘grey-market’ goods infiltrating the consumer goods market in an age of globalised industry.
READ MORE
31 May 2019
The risk for estate agencies not complying with the EU’s 2017 Money Laundering Regulations
Barrister Jessica Sobey explains how it is imperative that an example is set for the industry in order for the aims of the EU’s 2017 Money Laundering Regulations to be achieved, noting that the UK property market has consistently been used by criminals to launder the proceeds of their crime.
READ MOREREAD MORE31 May 2019
The risk for estate agencies not complying with the EU’s 2017 Money Laundering Regulations
READ MORE11 Apr 2019
Are The EU’s 2017 Money Laundering Rules Effective?
Barrister Jessica Sobey examines whether the EU’s 2017 money laundering rules are effective, noting that a recent freedom of information request made by Eversheds Sutherland to the Home Office revealed that as of October 2018 there had been no prosecutions under the regulations.
READ MORE
05 Mar 2019
Knife Crime – Searching for Solutions
The Home Secretary will this week hold an urgent meeting with police chiefs to discuss the recent rise in knife crime. This follows another week of senseless killings and the publication of figures that show […]
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05 Mar 2019
Counterfeit Currency – You May Pay a Very High Price
In straitened financial circumstances, it can be tempting to consider purchasing counterfeit money. While the price of such ‘currency’ fluctuates widely, it is often as low as 25% of the face value, making it a […]
READ MOREREAD MORE05 Mar 2019
Counterfeit Currency – You May Pay a Very High Price
READ MORE04 Mar 2019
Government Review Of Criminal Legal Aid Fees: A Vain Attempt At Appeasement?
Solicitor Marlon Grossman examines the Government’s proposed review of criminal legal aid fees, questioning the motives behind this, in Lawyer Monthly.
READ MORE
25 Feb 2019
Supreme Court Rejects Government Appeals On Criminal Records Disclosure Scheme
Solicitor Ernest Aduwa’s article, published in Lawyer Monthly, examines the Supreme Court’s recent decision to reject Government appeals against a human rights ruling won by some individuals who say their lives are unfairly haunted by minor criminal offences committed long ago.
READ MORE
31 Jan 2019
Solicitor Marlon Grossman examines why the criminal disclosure process is failing
Solicitor Marlon Grossman examines in The Times and Law360 why the criminal disclosure process is failing and points to various methods to remedy this, in order to restore the process.
READ MOREREAD MORE31 Jan 2019
Solicitor Marlon Grossman examines why the criminal disclosure process is failing
READ MORE23 Jan 2019
What Next for Sally?
In a dramatic climax the jury returned guilty verdicts in the case of R v Sally Metcalfe, the hapless Coronation Street Councillor caught up in fraud, money laundering and bribery. As viewers will know, poor […]
READ MORE
23 Jan 2019
Drink Driving – The Reality
Many people have an image of a typical drink driver: overweight man, staggering from the pub after an all-day session and getting into his car. A few minutes later that car being pulled over by […]
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23 Jan 2019
Will the Court Know About My Previous Convictions?
If you are being sentenced for an offence, the court will be aware of, and may take into account, any convictions you have. Whether this has any impact upon the sentence passed will very much […]
READ MOREREAD MORE23 Jan 2019
Will the Court Know About My Previous Convictions?
READ MORE31 Dec 2018
It’s a Genuine Fake!
Unauthorised use of a registered trademark is a criminal offence, so selling fake goods at a car boot sale or on internet selling sites can get you into serious trouble. Few people appreciate the offences […]
READ MORE
19 Dec 2018
Stop and Search
The power of the police to stop and search is currently in the media due to the rise in murders and serious crimes of violence involving the use of knives, particularly in London. A particular […]
READ MORE
28 Sep 2016
Could greater use of deferred prosecution agreements improve the SFO’s performance?
Partner Amjid Jabbar examines whether greater use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs) could improve the Serious Fraud Office’s (SFO) performance in Global Banking and Finance Review and Spear’s Magazine.
READ MOREREAD MORE28 Sep 2016
Could greater use of deferred prosecution agreements improve the SFO’s performance?
READ MORE01 Sep 2016
Partner Amjid Jabbar writes in The Times re confiscation orders
Partner Amjid Jabbar examines why confiscation orders are not working and calls for a new approach in The Times.
READ MORE
31 Aug 2016
SFO section 2 interview guidance undermines legal representation
Partner Brian Swan investigates the Serious Fraud Office’s (SFO) introduction of new operational guidance for section 2 interviews and the negative impacts on legal representation in The Barrister.
READ MORE
15 Jul 2016
Partner Amjid Jabbar comments in relation to confiscation orders and the proceeds of crime in The Law Society Gazette
Partner Amjid Jabbar comments in The Law Society Gazette in relation to the Home Affairs select committee’s report in relation to confiscation orders and proceeds of crime.
READ MOREREAD MORE15 Jul 2016
Partner Amjid Jabbar comments in relation to confiscation orders and the proceeds of crime in The Law Society Gazette
READ MORE14 Jul 2016
Partner Brian Swan comments in The Times in relation to white collar crime
Partner Amjid Jabbar comments in The Law Society Gazette in relation to the Home Affairs select committee’s report in relation to confiscation orders and proceeds of crime.
READ MORE
24 May 2016
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou writes in The Times Law Brief regarding SFO ‘blockbuster’ funding
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou examines in The Times Law Brief the problem with the Serious Fraud Office’s (SFO) ‘blockbuster’ funding.
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12 May 2016
Amjid Jabbar comments in relation to the FCA’s Operation Tabernula case
Partner Amjid Jabbar comments in The Times and City AM in relation to the Financial Conduct Authority’s insider trading case, ‘Operation Tabernula’.
READ MOREREAD MORE12 May 2016
Amjid Jabbar comments in relation to the FCA’s Operation Tabernula case
READ MORE03 Apr 2016
Bambos Tsiattalou comments in relation to the SFO’s LIBOR manipulation investigation and trial
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou comments in City AM and Venture Capital Post in relation to the Serious Fraud Office’s (SFO) LIBOR manipulation trial.
READ MORE
15 Mar 2016
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou writes in Fraud Watch
Partner Bambos Tsiattalou examines in Fraud Watch the Serious Fraud Office’s autonomy and how its future depends on the forthcoming LIBOR trials.
READ MORE
14 Mar 2016
Maria Theodoulou comments in relation to the latest European Anti-Money Laundering Directive
Partner Maria Theodoulou comments in IBA in relation to the latest European Anti-Money Laundering Directive.
READ MOREREAD MORE14 Mar 2016
Maria Theodoulou comments in relation to the latest European Anti-Money Laundering Directive
READ MORE11 Mar 2016
Partner Maria Theodoulou comments in relation to Hatton Garden burglary appeal
Partner Maria Theodoulou comments in relation to convicted Hatton Garden burglar, Carl Wood, seeking to appeal his conviction.
READ MORE
18 Feb 2016
Partner Maria Theodoulou comments in relation to Supreme Court Joint Enterprise ruling
Partner Maria Theodoulou comments in relation to the Supreme Court ruling that Joint Enterprise had been wrongly interpreted for more than 30 years.
READ MORE
25 Jan 2016
Partner Maria Theodoulou interviewed by The Law Society Gazette
Partner Maria Theodoulou has been interviewed by The Law Society Gazette. Maria acted for one of the defendants in the high-profile Hatton Garden burglary trial.
READ MOREREAD MORE25 Jan 2016
Partner Maria Theodoulou interviewed by The Law Society Gazette
READ MORECriminal Defence Cases
Conspiracy to supply class A drugs
We represent a defendant charged alongside others in a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in the South of England. The charges encompass possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, dangerous driving, and criminal damage, as our client attempted to evade police officers.
Our client staunchly denies involvement in the conspiracy. In support of our defence, therefore, we have engaged cell-site and DNA experts, aiming to demonstrate that any contact or communications between our client and co-defendants had innocent and explainable purposes.
Initially remanded in custody, the trial was scheduled for September 2023. However, we successfully opposed an extension of custody time limits, leading to the trial being rescheduled for 2025.
Extradition with mental health challenge
We represent a Bulgarian national requested by Slovenia to serve a prison sentence for thefts committed in 2018.
As our client has a history of significant mental health issues linked to past domestic abuse, our primary challenge revolves around s25 EA 2003, focusing on the severity of our client’s condition and the risk of extradition exacerbating her suicide risk. We’ve procured expert psychiatric evidence to support this challenge.
The case’s complexity is further compounded by concurrent domestic criminal and immigration proceedings. We’ve provided support to the client and her family throughout these parallel proceedings.
Extradition proceedings relating to the handling of stolen goods
We represent a Polish client facing extradition proceedings before Westminster Magistrates Court based on a European Arrest Warrant, which seeks to enforce a sentence for handling stolen goods dating back to 1997 and 1999.
Despite living and working legally in the UK for over two decades, our client’s extradition is pending.
To challenge this, we have gathered witness statements from an extensive network of family members in the UK. We’ve also obtained evidence from his employer, highlighting the impact on business and skilled projects in the local area.
As our client has a young son, we secured an expert report from a prominent child psychologist to strengthen our challenge under Article 8. Moreover, we’ve engaged local lawyers in Poland to explore novel legal arguments regarding the enforceability of the extradition offences.
Robbery charges
We represent this client in a joint trial concerning high-value watch robberies in central London. Originally, the client had other solicitors representing him for one high-value Rolex robbery.
Still, he opted to transfer legal aid to us, enabling us to represent him across all related matters at trial.
The client firmly denies the robbery charges, and the trial is set for November this year. Our defence strategy includes meticulous analysis of CCTV evidence to build a robust case.
Fraud in property transactions
Our client was charged with fraud by abuse of position following a complaint made to the police by her ex-employer, in which he claimed that her fraudulent actions in dealing in property transactions had resulted in a loss of over £40,000. It was alleged that the company had found accounting discrepancies relating to transactions undertaken in her role as an estate agent.
On receipt of the evidence, however, it became apparent that the police investigation following the complaint was flawed. This resulted in a Defence Statement which not only noted deficiencies in the indictment but also failures in the disclosure process which were so serious that proceedings should be stayed as an abuse of process.
Following consideration of our submissions, the Crown ultimately offered no evidence, meaning that a “not guilty” verdict was recorded against the client, an exceptional result which saved her the stress and cost of protracted proceedings.
Encrochat, drugs and firearms
We represent a man said to have played a vital and trusted role for an OCG at the heart of a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in matters arising from Operation Venetic.
Our client faces four charges including conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs between March and June 2020 and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs outside the jurisdiction, in proceedings before Liverpool Crown Court.
Before arraignment, days were spent carefully analysing the Crown’s data, which resulted in the ability to put forward a credible basis of plea which the Court accepted; almost halving the quantum of drugs that the client was involved in supplying.
The client received a total sentence of 12 years and 6 months in custody; significantly shorter than had been originally anticipated and a testament to our unwavering commitment to our clients in cases arising from the Encrochat hack.
Eight serious charges related to data seized from encrypted phones
We represent a client in a complicated EncroChat case at Manchester Crown Court involving eight charges said to have occurred in 2020, including conspiracy to cause GBH, possession of firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to supply drugs, and possession of criminal property.
The case is labyrinthine, involving two operations with 14 defendants split into two trials, and over 55,000 pages of evidence, with complex legal arguments over the reliability and admissibility of EncroChat data.
We have carefully analysed the evidence to develop compelling legal arguments in our client’s defence and have put multiple disclosure requests to the Prosecution.
The challenges we have mounted have resulted in the abandonment of a key piece of evidence which has proved critical to the direction of the defence case.
Our expertise in EncroChat enables us to support our client’s defence in readiness for trial in 2024.
Importing and supplying class A & B drugs and firearms
We are defending a client at Luton Crown Court against charges of importing and supplying drugs to an organised crime group.
It is alleged by the prosecution that the OCG used EncroChat mobile devices throughout the conspiracy, and evidence against our client comes from the attribution of a device found at his address.
The Crown seeks to rely on the co-location of the device with another phone and travel itineraries to attribute it to our client. However, little else implies our client’s involvement with the OCG.
To secure the best possible outcome for the client, we have obtained expert reports focusing on the reliability and continuity of the data with a view to undermining the Crown’s case, before instructing an expert to prepare a subsequent report.
Our team’s expert knowledge of Operation Venetic, the NCA’s EncroChat investigation, gives us a platform to staunchly defend our client.
Conspiracy to supply class A drugs and money laundering
We represented one of four defendants in an EncroChat case, who was charged with conspiracy to supply multiple kilograms of cocaine, money laundering and being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug.
Initially, the prosecution alleged that our client played a “leading role” in the conspiracy and as a result, faced a sentence of between 12 and 16 years in prison.
We analysed 1,500 messages and worked with an EncroChat expert to determine the true amount of cocaine supplied. This led to the discovery of further information which suggested our client played a much lesser role than had originally been alleged.
From these findings negotiated resolutely with the prosecution, ultimately resulting in our client’s role being downgraded to “significant” and the acceptance that no more than four kilograms of cocaine were supplied.
Our client, therefore, received a significantly shorter sentence of six years’ imprisonment.
UK-wide drugs operation
Our client, alleged to be the kingpin of an organised crime group, is accused of orchestrating an extensive drug distribution network across the UK. As advocates for our client, we are fervently challenging the accusations that label him as the OCG kingpin.
This case is an offshoot of Operation Silentpool, a comprehensive investigation by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit. The operation unveiled the OCG’s multifaceted activities, including the use of encrypted communication, safe houses, firearms, and ammunition.
We assert that the East Midlands Special Operations Unit planted mobile phones in our client’s premises during the arrest and search.
This case holds tremendous importance due to the scale of the alleged operation and the advanced techniques employed, such as encrypted communications and clandestine locations, to conceal criminal operations.
GBH charges
Our client was charged with s18 GBH following a drunken bar fight that left one individual severely injured.
The individual had been drinking for 12 hours continuously and had no recollection of the events. The prosecution presented 23 witnesses who identified him as the perpetrator.
The defence meticulously challenged every aspect of the prosecution’s case. They discovered that the police failed to identify other suspects at the time, and the victim in this case was also the defendant in another case where he had assaulted someone with a glass. These issues were raised during the trial, leading to the unanimous acquittal of the defendant.
Confessions of unsolved murders
While representing an individual detained at a high-security psychiatric hospital, our client expressed his desire to confess to multiple unsolved murders.
These alleged murders included the attempted murder of a diplomat’s daughter, which left her in a permanent vegetative state.
Ultimately, the client received a hospital order with restrictions.
Conspiracy to supply class A drugs
We represent a defendant charged alongside others in a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in the South of England. The charges encompass possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, dangerous driving, and criminal damage, as our client attempted to evade police officers.
Our client staunchly denies involvement in the conspiracy. In support of our defence, therefore, we have engaged cell-site and DNA experts, aiming to demonstrate that any contact or communications between our client and co-defendants had innocent and explainable purposes.
Initially remanded in custody, the trial was scheduled for September 2023. However, we successfully opposed an extension of custody time limits, leading to the trial being rescheduled for 2025.
Extradition with mental health challenge
We represent a Bulgarian national requested by Slovenia to serve a prison sentence for thefts committed in 2018.
As our client has a history of significant mental health issues linked to past domestic abuse, our primary challenge revolves around s25 EA 2003, focusing on the severity of our client’s condition and the risk of extradition exacerbating her suicide risk. We’ve procured expert psychiatric evidence to support this challenge.
The case’s complexity is further compounded by concurrent domestic criminal and immigration proceedings. We’ve provided support to the client and her family throughout these parallel proceedings.
Extradition proceedings relating to the handling of stolen goods
We represent a Polish client facing extradition proceedings before Westminster Magistrates Court based on a European Arrest Warrant, which seeks to enforce a sentence for handling stolen goods dating back to 1997 and 1999.
Despite living and working legally in the UK for over two decades, our client’s extradition is pending.
To challenge this, we have gathered witness statements from an extensive network of family members in the UK. We’ve also obtained evidence from his employer, highlighting the impact on business and skilled projects in the local area.
As our client has a young son, we secured an expert report from a prominent child psychologist to strengthen our challenge under Article 8. Moreover, we’ve engaged local lawyers in Poland to explore novel legal arguments regarding the enforceability of the extradition offences.
Robbery charges
We represent this client in a joint trial concerning high-value watch robberies in central London. Originally, the client had other solicitors representing him for one high-value Rolex robbery.
Still, he opted to transfer legal aid to us, enabling us to represent him across all related matters at trial.
The client firmly denies the robbery charges, and the trial is set for November this year. Our defence strategy includes meticulous analysis of CCTV evidence to build a robust case.
Fraud in property transactions
Our client was charged with fraud by abuse of position following a complaint made to the police by her ex-employer, in which he claimed that her fraudulent actions in dealing in property transactions had resulted in a loss of over £40,000. It was alleged that the company had found accounting discrepancies relating to transactions undertaken in her role as an estate agent.
On receipt of the evidence, however, it became apparent that the police investigation following the complaint was flawed. This resulted in a Defence Statement which not only noted deficiencies in the indictment but also failures in the disclosure process which were so serious that proceedings should be stayed as an abuse of process.
Following consideration of our submissions, the Crown ultimately offered no evidence, meaning that a “not guilty” verdict was recorded against the client, an exceptional result which saved her the stress and cost of protracted proceedings.
Encrochat, drugs and firearms
We represent a man said to have played a vital and trusted role for an OCG at the heart of a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in matters arising from Operation Venetic.
Our client faces four charges including conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs between March and June 2020 and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs outside the jurisdiction, in proceedings before Liverpool Crown Court.
Before arraignment, days were spent carefully analysing the Crown’s data, which resulted in the ability to put forward a credible basis of plea which the Court accepted; almost halving the quantum of drugs that the client was involved in supplying.
The client received a total sentence of 12 years and 6 months in custody; significantly shorter than had been originally anticipated and a testament to our unwavering commitment to our clients in cases arising from the Encrochat hack.
Eight serious charges related to data seized from encrypted phones
We represent a client in a complicated EncroChat case at Manchester Crown Court involving eight charges said to have occurred in 2020, including conspiracy to cause GBH, possession of firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to supply drugs, and possession of criminal property.
The case is labyrinthine, involving two operations with 14 defendants split into two trials, and over 55,000 pages of evidence, with complex legal arguments over the reliability and admissibility of EncroChat data.
We have carefully analysed the evidence to develop compelling legal arguments in our client’s defence and have put multiple disclosure requests to the Prosecution.
The challenges we have mounted have resulted in the abandonment of a key piece of evidence which has proved critical to the direction of the defence case.
Our expertise in EncroChat enables us to support our client’s defence in readiness for trial in 2024.
Importing and supplying class A & B drugs and firearms
We are defending a client at Luton Crown Court against charges of importing and supplying drugs to an organised crime group.
It is alleged by the prosecution that the OCG used EncroChat mobile devices throughout the conspiracy, and evidence against our client comes from the attribution of a device found at his address.
The Crown seeks to rely on the co-location of the device with another phone and travel itineraries to attribute it to our client. However, little else implies our client’s involvement with the OCG.
To secure the best possible outcome for the client, we have obtained expert reports focusing on the reliability and continuity of the data with a view to undermining the Crown’s case, before instructing an expert to prepare a subsequent report.
Our team’s expert knowledge of Operation Venetic, the NCA’s EncroChat investigation, gives us a platform to staunchly defend our client.
Conspiracy to supply class A drugs and money laundering
We represented one of four defendants in an EncroChat case, who was charged with conspiracy to supply multiple kilograms of cocaine, money laundering and being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug.
Initially, the prosecution alleged that our client played a “leading role” in the conspiracy and as a result, faced a sentence of between 12 and 16 years in prison.
We analysed 1,500 messages and worked with an EncroChat expert to determine the true amount of cocaine supplied. This led to the discovery of further information which suggested our client played a much lesser role than had originally been alleged.
From these findings negotiated resolutely with the prosecution, ultimately resulting in our client’s role being downgraded to “significant” and the acceptance that no more than four kilograms of cocaine were supplied.
Our client, therefore, received a significantly shorter sentence of six years’ imprisonment.
UK-wide drugs operation
Our client, alleged to be the kingpin of an organised crime group, is accused of orchestrating an extensive drug distribution network across the UK. As advocates for our client, we are fervently challenging the accusations that label him as the OCG kingpin.
This case is an offshoot of Operation Silentpool, a comprehensive investigation by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit. The operation unveiled the OCG’s multifaceted activities, including the use of encrypted communication, safe houses, firearms, and ammunition.
We assert that the East Midlands Special Operations Unit planted mobile phones in our client’s premises during the arrest and search.
This case holds tremendous importance due to the scale of the alleged operation and the advanced techniques employed, such as encrypted communications and clandestine locations, to conceal criminal operations.
GBH charges
Our client was charged with s18 GBH following a drunken bar fight that left one individual severely injured.
The individual had been drinking for 12 hours continuously and had no recollection of the events. The prosecution presented 23 witnesses who identified him as the perpetrator.
The defence meticulously challenged every aspect of the prosecution’s case. They discovered that the police failed to identify other suspects at the time, and the victim in this case was also the defendant in another case where he had assaulted someone with a glass. These issues were raised during the trial, leading to the unanimous acquittal of the defendant.
Confessions of unsolved murders
While representing an individual detained at a high-security psychiatric hospital, our client expressed his desire to confess to multiple unsolved murders.
These alleged murders included the attempted murder of a diplomat’s daughter, which left her in a permanent vegetative state.
Ultimately, the client received a hospital order with restrictions.