Fraud & Financial Crime

187 Chambers is a leading set for fraud and financial crime, where members are involved in some of the largest and most complex matters involving fraud, white-collar crime, bribery & corruption, money laundering and tax evasion. Our barristers regularly act for individuals, corporates and prosecuting agencies.

Our expertise extend to the financial services industry, where our barristers frequently acting in significant cases involving rate-fixing and mis-selling in the financial sector, which attract both national and international media attention.

We also have a strong focus on cases involving the restraint, confiscation, and forfeiture of assets resulting from criminal proceedings.

Another key area of expertise is advising and representing individuals subject to Account Freezing and Forfeiture Orders (AFOs), introduced by the Criminal Finances Act 2017. This rapidly expanding area of law allows the police, National Crime Agency (NCA), SFO, and HMRC to seize funds without the need for prosecution or criminal conviction. Members of Chambers have a deep understanding of how AFOs interact with civil recovery processes, including issues surrounding informal value transfer systems (IVTS) used in the Chinese community and Money Service Businesses that fail to comply with the Money Laundering Regulations.

Our team has defended many high-profile corruption cases, including those involving ENRC (for the prime target of the investigation), Petrofac (for an intermediary), and Amec Foster Wheeler (for an executive). We are also well-versed in prosecuting and defending all types of tax fraud, including MTIC, duty, and export fraud. In addition, we are frequently instructed to represent taxpayers and HMRC in tax tribunals where fraud-related claims have been disputed.

Notable cases:

• Entain (formerly GVC Holdings) – Representing the former CEO of Entain, a FTSE 50 company, in an allegation of money laundering involving hundreds of millions of pounds. The case resulted in the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) first Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA). Despite the resolution, his client remains under investigation, highlighting Gideon’s continued involvement in significant matters.
• SFO v Marsh and others (Patisserie Valerie Fraud) – Acting for defendant in £200m fraud of well known national chain of restaurants. Trial in 2026.
• R v Islaam & Ors (Operation Riot) – VAT conspiracy and car finance frauds. 72 fraudulent companies, many registered with the FCA and HMRC. Victims’ identities stolen from client files of solicitors’ firm and obtained through bogus recruitment agency.
• ENRC – Advising a primary individual under investigation in relation to the Serious Fraud Office’s (SFO) ongoing investigation into ENRC, a key case that involves allegations of corruption and financial misconduct on a global scale.
• R v Mark Rowe – Vast timeshare fraud amounting to between a £25-40m loss. Up to 5000 elderly/vulnerable victims. Very complicated LPP issues as the defendant spent over £1m on legal advice as to the schemes adopted by his firm.