Money Laundering offences

Early expert legal advice is therefore essential if you have been charged with An investigation or prosecution can have serious consequences for your business and for you personally. A successful prosecution could lead to heavy fines for your organisation and might result in the failure of your business, while you could suffer serious personal financial consequences and a potential prison sentence.

The laws relating to money laundering can make unwitting criminals of anyone. Businesses and professionals can inadvertently find themselves to be liable to criminal investigation. The need for rigorous procedures is vital to any business to ensure that they do not fall foul of the money laundering legislation.

At Berris Law, we have the experience and know-how to advise on procedures and safeguards to prevent money laundering. We utilise our experience and an understanding of the relevant Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Client (KYC) provisions within your jurisdiction and industry. We can also assist in ensuring that you understand the requirements of your business under the Criminal Finances Act 2017.

Should you find yourself facing an investigation or prosecution for money laundering, our defence solicitors can advise and represent you, giving you the best chance of avoiding prosecution or securing the most favourable outcome possible if a prosecution is inevitable.

Our money laundering defence lawyers are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year representing clients all over the UK, including cases involving assets worth many millions of pounds. We have strong expertise in proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), so can also assist with protecting your access to your assets.

Whether you are under investigation, are facing prosecution, or are simply concerned that an offence may have occurred within your business and are unsure what to do, we can provide clear, practical expertise grounded in years of effective defence work. We can advise on options such as self-reporting money laundering and Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs) where appropriate.

If you are unhappy with the duty solicitor assigned to you at a police station and have been Released Under Investigation (RUI), we can take over your defence immediately.

Our specialist money laundering defence solicitors have advised and represented clients in relation to money laundering for many years.

Whatever your situation, our expert money laundering defence solicitors will work closely with you, giving you a clear understanding of your legal position and the steps you need to take.

As a business, you need to take your obligations to prevent money laundering seriously. There are a number of safeguards you should have in place, the exact nature of which will depend on the type of business you conduct.
Using our experience and detailed understanding of the relevant Anti Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Client (KYC) provisions within your jurisdiction and industry, we can make sure you are effectively meeting your legal duty to prevent money laundering. We can also assist in ensuring that you understand the requirements of your business under the Criminal Finances Act 2017.

If you believe money laundering may have occurred within your organisation, self-reporting the issue to the authorities may be your best option. This can lead to any criminal proceedings being suspended, even if evidence of an offence is uncovered.

Following self-reporting, you may be able to enter into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA). This will involve paying a fine and making improvements to your organisation to avoid future offences, in exchange for a prosecution being halted.

Our specialist money laundering defence team can advise you on whether self-reporting is the best option for you and guide you through the self-reporting process where required.

It is essential that any money laundering investigation is responded to carefully and in a timely fashion. You must balance co-operating with investigators while avoiding any risk of compromising your defence.

We will assist your business to navigate money laundering investigations, so can make sure you meet your legal obligations and avoid any missteps at every stage of an investigation and any subsequent prosecution.

With any criminal prosecution for money laundering it is essential that your defence is prepared effectively and that you have the very best representation for all court proceedings.

We have a strong track record of success with money laundering prosecutions, so can ensure all relevant evidence is collected and no stone left unturned in pursuing your defence. We can also assist you with securing representation from highly regarded specialist money laundering defence barristers with whom we have well-established relationships.

If you are suspected of or found guilty of a money laundering offence, it is likely that you will be made subject to a restraint order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). This can lead to both your personal property and business assets being frozen, causing you to immediately lose access to them.

Clearly this can present a serious problem for you, your business and your family, especially if you were not expecting this to happen. Should you find yourself in this position, our team are very effective at challenging restraint orders and are often able to see the conditions of an order varied. This can give you access to the funds and other assets you need to meet your essential needs.

If you or a family member has been arrested or are being investigated for a money laundering offence, you can get in touch with our solicitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week for assistance. Either call us on 020 3325 7415 or complete our online form and we’ll get right back to you.