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Winter Allen Solicitors provides clear and tactical advice to companies and individuals facing the full range of white-collar criminal matters. Our elite and discreet service means that we are best placed to represent those under investigation for fraud, bribery, corruption, money laundering, insider dealing and all cross jurisdiction matters.

FRAUD

Winter Allen represents individuals and companies facing investigation and prosecution by of one the many bodies that investigate financial crime. We are experienced in defending prosecutions brought by the Serious fraud Office, Financial Conduct Authority, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, the Competitions and Markets Authority and City of London Police, as well as the Crown Prosecution Service. 

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We provide sophisticated and strategic advice to companies and individuals facing arrest, compelled interviews, search and seizure and interview under caution. Without careful handling by our discreet and experiences representatives, the press will often report allegations of this nature, so a prompt instruction will be in the best interests of all concerned. 

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The early instruction of expert and lay witnesses is the key to properly defending these matters and where possible, concluding the investigations before charges are brought. We have a network of forensic accounting experts who will be instructed at shot notice. 

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We have successfully represented defendants in evert area of fraud law. Winter Allen has experience with allegations of defrauding benefits agencies to large scale, multi-jurisdictional boiler room frauds and Ponzi schemes. 

MONEY LAUNDERING

Individuals and organisations can face extremely serious consequences in relation to money laundering allegations under the proceeds of Crime Act 2002. 

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Winter Allen will respond to the National Crime Agency in a robust and measured way, providing them with our own expert evidence to rebut their allegations. We have been successful in avoiding criminal prosecutions with timely and well-judges responses to police and other agencies. 

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We also provide business with in-house training in relation to Money laundering and the proceeds of Crime Act. This pre-emptive action can protect companies from prosecution is circumstances where it can be shown that reasonable prevention procedures have been implements. Please see our Regulatory page for further information.

TAX OFFENCES

HMRC have taken a hard approach on suspected tax evasion and tax fraud which has led to an unprecedented increase in the investigations and prosecutions by the government body.  Winter Allen work hard to negotiate with and persuade HMRC that they should seek a civil settlement rather than pursue a criminal prosecution. Lucy Winter has has significant success in doing this. 

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Lucy Winter has recently advised a client on a tax avoidance scheme under investigation by HMRC who suspected it was in fact a tax evasion scheme. Such a specialist issue required a detailed review of all decisions that led to the construction of the scheme and instruction of one of the country's leading white-collar crime Silks. 

RESTRAINT

Restraint orders can be applied for in cases where a person being investigated for a criminal offence (usually fraud, money laundering or drug offences) has assets that can be restrained. There is a relatively low threshold and this draconian measure and it can have far-reaching consequences for those made subject to such an order which can freeze and prohibit assets from being disposed in any way. 

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Legal advice is essential to consider the validity of the order and whether there exits any prospect of applying to discharge the order.

 

Family members of an accused and other third parties can also be affected by these orders and Winter Allen have experience in this field also. 

CONFISCATION

Winter Allen's expertise in matters of financial crime extends to confiscation proceedings. Expert analysis of the financial data will make the foundation for an assertive and realistic response to the crown's application. The instruction of expert counsel, skilled in confiscation law and procedure, ensure that the very best outcome will be achieved. 

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Our services do not stop once the order has been made. Applications to vary and amend the orders are often made with success, making a huge difference to the financial outlook. 

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Third parties, such as family members or friends of the person convicted of an offence, can also find themselves affected by a confiscation order. Winter Allen offer a complete service to those affected in this way. 

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