Four Seasons Legal Cyber Crime

Sometimes complex investigations in these types of cases involving computer and internet offences can take a long to investigate and prosecute. Often these cases will involve an international dimension. At MPR we work with you to ensure you get expert and quality representation of the highest standard.

If you have been accused of a severe computer-related crime, our legal team can provide you with the best legal advice and representation available in England and Wales.

We are a boutique law firm, having spent years focusing on criminal; white-collar crime, and fraud defence. Our solicitors have a strong knowledge of the law surrounding cyber-crime and have a robust reputation for running successful defences.

Our team focuses heavily on providing quality legal services and exceptional client care. We have a dedicated team of criminal defence solicitors and lawyers based in London, specialising in cyber-crime. 

Cases involving computer and internet offences can take months, if not years to investigate and prosecute, mainly as they often contain an international element.  The National Crime Agency’s National Cyber Crime Unit primarily investigate cases of cyber-crime.  By instructing us, you have an advantage as not only are many of our cyber-crime solicitors’ multi-lingual, they have an in-depth knowledge of domestic and international cyber law and can draw on global expertise quickly if required.

Our expert criminal defence solicitors and barristers advise and represent clients in cases of:

• cyber-crime
• computer hacking
• e-commerce crime and fraud
• malware & phishing
• copyright infringements
• corporate espionage

Our lawyers are well connected with some of the leading experts in the fields of forensic computer analysis, cell site evidence, and telecoms and forensic accountancy.  Our specialist criminal defence solicitors have the technical expertise and experience required to create a robust defence for our clients.

What is cyber-crime?

Cyber-crime is an umbrella term to describe two distinct forms of criminal activity:

1. cyber-dependent crimes – crimes that are committed only through the use of information and communications technology (ICT) devices, whereby such devices are also the target of the crime; and
2. traditional crimes which can be increased in scale or reach by the use of computers, computer networks or other forms of ICT (such as cyber-enabled fraud and data theft)

Cyber-crime covers a wide range of criminal offences.  The ten most common in the UK are:

• bank account fraud
• non-investment fraud, i.e. Ponzi schemes
• computer viruses, i.e. Ransomware
• hacking
• advance fee fraud, i.e. Foreign Beneficiary scam
• other fraud such as conveyancing fraud
• harassment and stalking
• obscene and/or terrorism-related publications
• child sexual offences
• blackmail

What evidence is used for cyber-crimes?

Gathering evidence for cyber-related crimes is a complicated process, often involving the prosecution drilling into hardware and software together with items stored on a computer such as documents, photos, image files, photographs, emails and attachments, databases, financial information, internet browsing history, chat logs and event logs.  Mobile devices can also hold detailed evidence which may be vital to a case.

Because of our years of experience in defending cyber-crime offences, we have built relationships with some of the most experienced cyber-forensic teams in the UK and abroad, allowing us access to the information we need to create a solid defence.

Can the police seize your computer if they suspect you of committing cyber-crime?

By the time evidence collection happens in cases of cyber-crime, the suspect is already in custody.  Thus, there is unlikely to be a dramatic 5 am swoop, where a police team seize your computer.  Instead, the police will organise a search warrant and take your computer, mobile phone and any other software/hardware from the premises.

Can you be charged for cyber-crimes in another country?

If you live in the UK and are accused of committing cyber-crimes in another jurisdiction, that jurisdiction may apply to have you extradited to appear in their courts.  Our legal team can provide expert advice and representation on extradition.

What is the maximum sentence for online fraud?

Online fraud is one of the most common types of offences in the UK. Offences under the Fraud Act 2006 apply to a wide range of cyber-frauds, focusing on the underlying dishonesty and deception. 

If convicted, the maximum penalty applied by the Crown Court is a sentence of ten years of imprisonment for the offences of fraud by false representation, fraud by abuse of position and fraud by failing to disclose information. In the Magistrates Court, the maximum penalty for these offences is a term of imprisonment of 12 months and/or a fine.

The maximum penalty following conviction on indictment for an offence of possessing an article for use in a fraud is five years' imprisonment or a fine or both.  After a summary conviction, the maximum penalty is 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine.

What is online identity theft?

Identity theft occurs when one person collects information about another individual and assumes their identity online.  They then use this information to buy goods and/or services online.

The prosecution must prove, so the judge or jury is “satisfied until sure” that it was the defendant who committed the identity theft, not someone else.  Our cyber-crime solicitors have experience in examining vast quantities of data and can pull out evidence which may weaken the prosecution’s case against you.

MPR Solicitors are experienced in defending multi-jurisdictional cyber-crime cases that involve disclosure from foreign authorities.  If you have been accused of a computer-based crime, it is crucial you contact our expert team as soon as possible so we can start building your defence.