Our lawyers are committed to providing the advice, representation and support to clients who are facing a serious fraud Office investigation or charge by the:

• Serious Fraud Office (SFO)   
• National Crime Agency (NCA)
• Specialist Fraud Division of the Crown Prosecution Service (SFD- CPS
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Department of Works and Pensions (DWP)
• National Health Service (NHS)
• Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA)

It is important in these cases to secure representation and obtain early involvement by a specialist fraud solicitor at the earliest stage of the investigation in order that we can properly advise and safeguard your interest.  Sometimes early intervention and involvement can mean that the investigation is resolved without the need for criminal proceedings.  Our fraud team is partner-led, able to swiftly work through the elements of an investigation to build a robust defence for you or your company.

Our practise focuses on our core areas of law; therefore clients who instruct us can be confident of our in-depth knowledge and experience in defending matters of serious fraud.  As these types of cases are extremely complex, many high street criminal defence firms do not have the resources, contacts or expertise to defend a serious fraud case effectively.  MPR Solicitors are a member of the Ministry of Justice’s Very High Cost Cases (VHCC) panel and its predecessor, the Specialist Fraud Panel. This membership demonstrates our expertise and experience in fraud cases. In particularly complex serious fraud cases, we can put together a team to prepare a strong, persuasive defence.

Fraud is a serious crime carrying a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or substantial fines.  If you have been accused of fraud or are subject to an SFO investigation, it is crucial that you take the charge seriously and instruct quality, experienced serious fraud solicitors to advise and represent you.

Our recent cases include allegations of missing trader fraud (MTIC), insider trading, advance fee fraud, mortgage fraud, trademark & copyright infringements, and VAT & Tax Fraud.

White collar crime

Four Seasons Legal has a strong reputation for successfully defending those accused of so-called ‘white collar’ fraud.  Our serious fraud solicitors work with our clients to provide the best possible advice and representation combining our expertise and dedication to the individual needs of the client and their companies.  

We have a specialist team of highly regarded fraud solicitors and caseworkers who collaborate with accountants, barristers, forensic experts and other consultants to mount a proactive defence on behalf of our clients. Many of these cases involve an international dimension and we have developed links with specialist law firms in foreign jurisdictions to assist on cases when it is required.

At Four Seasons Legal  Solicitors our fraud team will analyse every detail of your case to present a pro-active and positive defence at trial.  We will advise you on every possible angle the prosecution may utilise in order to secure the best possible outcome in your case.

What is fraud?

Fraud can be defined as acting dishonestly or employing trickery to gain an advantage.  In most cases of fraud, this advantage constitutes a financial gain.

The Fraud Act 2006 governs the offence of fraud in the United Kingdom.

Dishonesty is required for fraud to have occurred, but crucially, it is not necessary for the accused to have gained an advantage because of their actions.

Fraud and other white-collar crime often involves an international dimension and therefore requires a multi-disciplinary approach.  Over the years, our serious fraud solicitors have developed professional relationships with experienced forensic accountants and specialist counsel to advise us in complex, multi-jurisdictional cases.  We also have links with specialist law firms in foreign jurisdictions, allowing us to successfully defend many fraud cases with an international dimension.

What is the Serious Fraud Office (SFO)?

The SFO is a specialist body that investigates and prosecutes serious or complex fraud, bribery and corruption.

When considering whether to take on an investigation, the Director of the SFO must consider:

• Whether the alleged misconduct undermines the City of London or UK PLC commercial or financial interests in general;
• Is the potential financial loss considerable?
• Is there a risk of considerable economic harm?
• Is the matter of considerable public interest?
• Does the matter constitute a new type of fraud?

In addition, the SFO assists overseas jurisdictions in investigating complex fraud, and since September 2017, they have the power to prosecute the new offence of ‘corporate failure to prevent the facilitation of overseas tax evasion’.  

At MPR Solicitors, we have an in-depth understanding of how the SFO works and the steps they will take when conducting an investigation.  Even if wrongdoing is found, shrewd negotiating and commercial acumen can result in prosecution being avoided.

We can utilise several tactics to fight an SFO investigation, which can result in the investigation being abandoned partway through.

Who are the National Crime Agency (NCA)?

The remit of the NCA is to fight against organised crime. They are involved in the investigation of:

• Fraud & money laundering involving organised criminal networks
• Cyber-crime
• Bribery and Corruption
• Human trafficking and slavery

What is a deferred prosecution agreement?

A deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) is an agreement between you and the prosecutor undertaken under judicial supervision.  They can be used for serious economic crime.

Under a DPA, the prosecution can be suspended for a period of time, providing the company meets certain conditions including:

• Changing certain work practices
• Firing certain staff
• Paying a fine or fines
• Ensuring measures are put in place to prevent the conduct from ever happening again

The conditions of a DPA are fully available to the public.  To obtain a DPA, you must cooperate fully with investigators.

Our experience allows us to quickly identify if a DPA can be negotiated.  We will provide you with the advice you need to have the best chance of successfully securing one and negotiating conditions you can readily fulfil.

Corporate Self-reporting

The SFO positively encourages corporate bodies and companies to self-report any violations of the law. It states that this will be a relevant consideration when it comes to deciding whether or not to prosecute. There is a self-reporting process and guidance which the SFO apply.

Our specialist solicitors will be able to advise you on the appropriate course of action and guide you through the process based on the nature of the violations and your circumstances and that of your company.