Serious Fraud

Serious Fraud can cover a variety of allegations in which businesses and individuals can become embroiled.

These offences can be investigated by a range of prosecution and investigative agencies, which have increasingly broader investigative powers

  • The Economic Crime Units of the Police
  • The Complex Case Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
  • The Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
  • The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
  • Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
  • The National Crime Agency (NCA)
  • National Trading Standards (NTS)
  • Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

Investigations into serious fraud can be long and protracted; and in some cases years can pass before a decision is made as to whether the case proceeds to court. During this time it can be extremely disruptive and the uncertainty can be distressing for your personal and family life as well as your career.

Our experience shows that the decisions suspects make during this investigative process can have a crucial impact on the decision to prosecute, and if a prosecution does indeed take place, it is equally important that the correct tactical decisions take place at an early stage. It is never too early to seek expert legal advice if you are suspected of any type of serious fraud. Our team is contactable, and can assist you, 24 hours a day. Contact us on 0800 32 888 46 or via an online enquiry.

At Cunninghams we have over 20 years experience in representing clients interviewed by the investigative authorities and, successfully representing in court proceedings those unfortunate enough to face prosecution in this complex area of criminal law.

Serious Fraud Defence Solicitors

Our serious fraud department will pull together a strong defence team tailored specifically to the needs of your case and have excellent relationships with a range of external experts – from accountants to technology specialists to ensure that you have the best possible team proactively working on your defence.

Our experience is not restricted to the UK and more recently we have been working with US – and other foreign lawyers in cases where alleged criminality has spanned overseas jurisdictions.

Cunninghams are regularly asked by clients to take over their case from Solicitors that they have previously instructed. This can happen at any stage of an investigation or prosecution.

There can be many reasons for this. Their existing solicitor may feel that for professional reasons they can no longer continue to represent their client, they may no longer feel that they have the necessary expertise or they may no longer be allowed to represent their client in respect of a particularly serious case because they are not members of the VHCC panel. In some cases, a client’s relationship with their solicitor has simply broken down, or they have lost complete confidence in their solicitor’s ability to represent them properly. Some clients feel that transferring representation will be an awkward, embarrassing or difficult process, and for cases which are publicly funded there are strict criteria which must be present before a case is transferred to another solicitor.

At Cunninghams we 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 our 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, QC’s and senior barristers to draw upon as we tailor our clients bespoke defence team

All our serious casework is led by a director with who you will have direct contact. If you are being investigated or have been charged with serious fraud it is important not to delay. Contact us and you will receive immediate expert advice from an experienced fraud defence lawyer.

Our initial advice is always free of charge, Contact Us on 0800 32 888 46 or make an on-line enquiry.