Cunninghams Solicitors

I’ve been accused of money laundering: How can a defence solicitor help me?

What is money laundering?

Money laundering is the way in which money made from illegal activities is disguised, most often by it being passed through a number of legitimate businesses.

Money laundering usually concerns large amounts of money generated by a criminal activity, such as fraud, drug trafficking or terrorist funding, which are made to appear to have come from a legitimate source and can therefore be spent as if they were from legal sources.

Because ‘dirty’ money is often laundered by being passed through a number of legitimate businesses, this unfortunately makes legitimate businesses a target, and individuals or businesses handling such money can easily fall foul of the legislation. If this happens, it’s advisable to get legal advice from a fraud defence solicitor as soon as possible.

Common offences which can give rise to money laundering include:

– Tax evasion
– Theft
– Fraud
– Bribery
– Corruption
– Smuggling
– Modern slavery
– Human trafficking
– Drug trafficking
– Illegal arms sales

Money laundering: a white collar crime

Money laundering is sometimes referred to as a ‘white collar crime’. The term ‘white-collar crime’ refers to the full range of frauds committed by business and government professionals. The motivation behind these crimes is financial – to obtain or avoid losing money, property, or services or to secure a personal or business advantage.

What are the consequences of money laundering?

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 means businesses and individuals may be at greater risk of prosecution for offences arising out of dubious financial activity. Individuals working within the regulated sector such as tax advisers, accountants and legal advisers must now have detailed knowledge of the current Money Laundering Regulations and must implement strict operational systems to ensure they comply with the law.

If you or your business is being investigated for money laundering it can have far-reaching consequences – not just on you personally but on your family and friends. A prosecuting authority can bring charges against family and friends if they believe they should have known that income may have been coming from illegitimate means or activities.

Those found to be engaging in money laundering activities face fines and lengthy terms of imprisonment and confiscation proceedings. They risk having their assets restrained even before any finding of guilt.

How a defence solicitor can help

If you are being investigated or have been charged with money laundering it is important not to delay in speaking to a fraud defence solicitor.

Cunninghams are a criminal defence practice who specialise in the defence of allegations of serious fraud. Cunningham’s fraud solicitors are often asked to take over conduct of someone’s case from those persons current solicitor. Cunningham’s are used to dealing with such enquiries and can reassure clients that any transfer of their case will be smooth, free of embarrassment and always in their best interests.

Operating nationwide from bases in the City of London and central Manchester, Cunninghams are leaders in defending those accused of serious fraud and complex crime and are consistently ranked as a leading practice in these fields in all guides to the UK legal profession. Specialising in this work for over 30 years has resulted in an enviable network of experts, forensic accountants, KC’s (formally known as QC’s) and senior barristers to ensure our clients benefit from the best defence team.

If you are being investigated or have been charged with money laundering, contact Cunninghams to receive immediate expert advice from an experienced fraud defence lawyer.