Next Generation Partners

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Firms To Watch: Fraud and white-collar crime

Under the leadership of litigation and white-collar crime partner Nanyi Kaluma, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP offers clients advisory and compliance support in addition to litigation.

Firms in the Spotlight Fraud and white-collar crime

Lauwers Law

Lauwers Law logo

Lauwers Law stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of tax law, renowned for its profound expertise and a uniquely tailored approach that effectively navigates the complexities of tax law across Belgium’s diverse regional landscape.  Our comprehensive services cover a broad spectrum of tax-related matters, including corporate taxation, international tax law, VAT, and …

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Fraud and white-collar crime in Belgium

Allen & Overy LLP

Allen & Overy LLP has a market-leading fraud and white-collar crime practice which is active across the full-range of issues including matters relating to fraud, money laundering, corporate manslaughter, and breaches of financial regulation. Thomas Declerck, who is particularly experienced in cybercrime, international sanctions, and export controls, was promoted to partner in May 2023 and took over as practice head, with previous lead partner Joost Everaert retiring at the end of 2023. European and international criminal law are areas of focus for Basil Sean, whose practice encompasses bribery, corruption and money laundering, amongst others.

Practice head(s):

Thomas Declerck


Other key lawyers:

Basil Saen


Testimonials

‘The team has a broad experience in managing complex cross-border white-collar crime cases.’

‘Basil Saen: excellent drafting skills.’

‘Very innovative, practical and responsive. Leave no stone unturned.’

Stibbe

Known for its strength across the whole gamut of fraud and white-collar criminal matters, Stibbe represents clients in high-profile disputes with particular expertise pertaining to anti-money laundering as well as cybercrime. The practice also works closely with the firm’s other groups such as tax and employment on complex multidisciplinary matters and acts for a number of multinational corporates and their executives. Hailed as ‘one of the best white-collar crime lawyers in Belgium’, Hans Van Bavel leads the team which also comprises anti-money laundering specialist David Verwaerde.

Practice head(s):

Hans Van Bavel


Other key lawyers:

David Verwaerde; Charlotte Conings


Testimonials

‘Hans Van Bavel works with excellent team members and is always a joy to work with.’

‘Hans Van Bavel is one of the key practitioners in Belgian criminal law, with huge knowledge both on material law and procedure. He is a strong communicator.’

‘Hans Van Bavel is really excellent, one of the best white-collar crime lawyers in Belgium. His knowledge is impressive, he has very good client contacts and always stays calm, even in very difficult situations.’

‘Service oriented, expertise and availability.’

Work highlights


  • Assisted PostNL in a social-criminal case before the correctional court of Antwerp.
  • Acted for Crédit Suisse Group AG in a judicial inquiry led by an investigating judge in Brussels, concerning money laundering and acting as an illegal financial intermediary.

Arcas Law

Dispute resolution boutique Arcas Law handles criminal and civil matters, where the firm is a go-to advisor for SMEs, global corporations and individuals alike. ‘Good communicator’ and practice co-head Dirk Libotte handles a wide-range of fraud and white-collar contentious work in sectors such as pharmaceutical, banking, telecoms, and insurance. Joost Verlinden completes the team’s leadership duo and has longstanding expertise across civil and criminal matters, with experience that includes domicile fraud and insolvency.

Practice head(s):

Dirk Libotte; Joost Verlinden


Other key lawyers:

Niels Vos


Testimonials

‘Collaboration with the team is very fluent. The team members are reachable and responsive. They proactively keep us up to date on any developments in the proceedings they handle for us in a timely manner.’

‘Arcas’ practice operates as a small team, with good availability and sound, to-the-point and strategic advice.’

‘Dirk Libotte is a pleasure to work with, a good communicator and always provides follow-ups towards other of legal teams and the client.’

‘The team is extremely responsive and able to provide clear, straightforward information about Belgian law and the legal system.’

‘Dirk Libotte and Niels Vos are extremely smart, diligent, and very well plugged into the legal circuit in Belgium. We can count on them to provide meaningful, important and timely information to assist us in representing our clients in the US.’

‘Top-drawer fraud and crime team in Belgium. My go-to firm.’

‘Keyed-in, know their stuff and responsive.’

‘The team is very knowledgeable, not only from a legal perspective but also in assessing how such matters can be handled from a practical perspective.’

Key clients

McCain


AB InBev


Deloitte


Brambles


SGS Statutory Services


Montea


Audit Vlaanderen


Federal Public Service of Pensions


Work highlights


  • Assisted a number of American investors in European stocks in a multi-jurisdictional judicial investigation into Cum-Ex trading.
  • Advised an Austrian non-profit organisation and its president on the fall-out and potential risks of the so-called Qatargate case.
  • Assisted the Belgian entity of an Australian-listed company specialised in pooling of pallets, crates and containers in proceedings against former employees and directors suspected of fraud and misappropriation of company assets.

DLA Piper

Praised for its ‘balanced approach’ and ‘creative legal solutions’, DLA Piper fields particular expertise in fraud within public and cybercrime, though the practice covers a vast array of matters such as bribery, money laundering, and IP fraud. Joris De Vos and ‘outstanding individual’ Ilse Van de Mierop are both particularly well-versed in regard to insolvency and restructuring. Administrative and public law are at the core of Bob Martens‘ practice, whose work covers corruption matters and infringements against environmental regulations.

Practice head(s):

Joris De Vos


Other key lawyers:

Bob Martens; Ilse Van de Mierop


Testimonials

‘Knowledgeable.’

‘Balanced approach.’

‘Strengths: pragmatic approach within strict deadlines and creative legal solutions, understanding our business needs, flexibility of the team.’

‘The team works very efficiently and is very well organised. With Ilse Van de Mierop as outstanding individual, the team delivers a very high-quality service.’

‘Ilse Van de Mierop is an outstanding and very experienced lawyer. On every aspect that matters she stands out: she is very intelligent, energetic and enthusiastic and always approaches a case with a strategic focus.’

Key clients

Sabena


NV Belfius Bank


NMBS/SNCB


Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie


NV Koninklijke Voetbalvereniging Oostende


NV Arlimo


NV Your Estate Solutions


OVS Home


Argenta Spaarbank NV


Antargaz Belgium NV


Indufin


Lidl


Work highlights


  • Represented Sabena in its €2bn civil and criminal litigation in order to claim compensation for creditors based on directors’ liability and alleged criminal infractions.
  • Adved NV Belfius Bank in connection with internal bank fraud committed by a trader.
  • Acted for NV Koninklijke Voetbalvereniging Oostende in relation to criminal and other proceedings relating to former agents and a former director.

Eubelius

The criminal enforcement and compliance-focused team at Eubelius assists clients with investigations and represents them in criminal cases up to the Court of Cassation, in addition to handling compliance programmes and due diligence matters. The firm is also well-versed in cases pertaining to cybercrime and data breaches. Practice head Tom Bauwens is hailed as an ‘authority in the field of criminal law’ and counts human rights law to his areas of specialty alongside white-collar criminal law. Monica Rodriguez also fields an active compliance and criminal enforcement practice.

Practice head(s):

Tom Bauwens


Other key lawyers:

Monica Rodriguez; Camille Goldschmidt


Testimonials

‘The team masters criminal law to an extremely high level, they are well organised, very customer oriented and you experience little to no turnover in staff. A real pleasure to work with!’

‘Monica Rodriguez is an exceptional lawyer dedicated to her work.’

‘Tom Bauwens is an authority in the field of criminal law – an excellent lawyer. Monica Rodriguez really stands out, she has a deep knowledge of criminal law, ensures that she always has perfect case knowledge and presents everything in a very clear and intelligent way.’

‘Empathy, speed of reaction availability and detailed file knowledge.’

‘Monica Rodriguez left no stone unturned. She helped to overturn a great miscarriage of justice.’

‘They opt for a proactive, direct approach to your criminal file, which works very efficiently and often detects and solves problems at an early stage.’

‘Monica Rodriguez can analyse a file in a very focused and problem-solving manner. Monica is also – not unimportant – good at dealing with clients, other lawyers and magistrates.’

‘Tom Bauwens is one of the leading WCC lawyers in Belgium. He has a relaxed and straightforward approach. He is well-connected to the relevant authorities. Monica Rodriguez is very talented and definitely one of the upcoming WCC lawyers.’

Key clients

Knack Roeselare


The City of Antwerp


VRT


De Meuter – Holding DM


AIM ImmunoTech Inc


Saffelberg Investment


Work highlights


  • Represented a numismatist accused of money laundering and leading a criminal organisation.
  • Assisted an international company accused of environmental crimes in a matter that was settled out-of-court.
  • Acted for VRT in the context of a judicial investigation following an audit by Audit Vlaanderen.

Everest

Everest fields a practice that assists clients with compliance and fraud prevention alongside investigations and represents them in enforcement proceedings, both on a domestic and cross-border level. The practice is also noted for its niche knowledge in sports-related white-collar criminal cases, where it can draw on the know-how situated within its dedicated sports practice. Stijn De Meulenaer leads the team and is noted for his expertise across fraud, compliance and business criminal law, with a particularly in-depth experience relating to fraud audits. Another key name on associate level is Danique Van Mechelen.

Practice head(s):

Stijn De Meulenaer


Other key lawyers:

Danique Van Mechelen


Testimonials

‘The team is very practical and they understand the needs of the client. Their advice is to-the-point and is a good support to define the strategy in a dossier.’

‘Competent team that is able to assist quickly and efficiently.’

‘Accurate responses and follow-ups on the one side, a human approach on the other hand, which is not frequent in this line of work. Top!’

Key clients

Audit Vlaanderen


Province of Antwerp


Deminor


VDK


APK Infra


Group Huyzentruyt


Fnac Vandenborre


Pro League


Crelan Bank


Capital@work


Pinnacle Oil & Gas


Mediageuzen


HLB


The Hungarian 3×3 basketball team and federation


Work highlights


  • Advised several companies, including HLB Services and Fnac Vanden Borre on the drafting and implementation of whistleblowing procedures.
  • Assisted several companies and natural persons in reaching a settlement in matters concerning criminal tax law.

Liedekerke

Acting for domestic and multinational companies and their executives, as well as non-profit organisations and public bodies, Liedekerke assists clients with compliance and contentious matters relating to the full array of fraud and white-collar criminal issues, including tax fraud, public corruption, and breach of environmental regulations. Magda Vandebotermet is the key partner and fields a broad criminal law practice that has seen her represent clients up to the Court of Cassation. Corporate criminal law specialist Margot Vandebeek is another core member of the team.

Practice head(s):

Magda Vandebotermet


Other key lawyers:

Margot Vandebeek


Work highlights


  • Assisted the client with filing a complaint in the context of an already ongoing criminal file concerning corruption that has caused damage to the client.
  • Assisted a federal ministry, which has likely been swindled by a supplier in the context of a procurement contract, through the criminal investigation that is underway.
  • Advised a multinational involved as suspect in a criminal investigation concerning infringements of waste legislation.

Lydian

At Lydian, the fraud and white-collar crime practice focuses on three core pillars: employee fraud, insurance fraud, and contractual fraud. The firm assists financial institutions, insurers, and companies from sectors such as tech and banking in internal investigations in addition to criminal and civil litigation. A trio of partners helms the team, consisting of insurance fraud specialist Hugo Keulers, Jan Hofkens, who is regularly sought out by clients for his expertise in employee fraud and Yves Lenders, whose practice encompasses criminal liability of directors as well as contractual fraud.

Practice head(s):

Hugo Keulers; Jan Hofkens; Yves Lenders


Work highlights


  • Assisted Recupel with the legal aspects of an internal investigation and disciplinary actions against its CEO.
  • Assisted Nemetal with an investigation into internal fraud and the dismissal of its CFO.
  • Advised Belfius Bank with regard to its claim against a Belgian insurer and two Belgian stage works and production companies pertaining to the Belgian Tax Shelter system.

Deloitte

Deloitte Legal capitalises on its proficiency in handling tax disputes, where the firm represents clients in various high-stakes tax fraud cases encompassing both criminal proceedings and tax audits. The practice is led by a trio of practitioners: Jürgen Egger leverages his experience in commercial and contract law in cases such as fraud, embezzlement and anti-money laundering, while Annick Visschers and Johan Speecke are particularly active in tax litigation.

Practice head(s):

Jürgen Egger; Annick Visschers; Johan Speecke


Hirsch & Vanhaelst

Acting primarily for individuals in criminal defence proceedings, Hirsch & Vanhaelst handles matters relating to a wide-range of issues including tax fraud and money laundering. The team is led by white-collar crime and international criminal law specialist Michèle Hirsch and also includes Morgan Bonneure, whose expertise extends to insider dealing and tax fraud, amongst others. Sophie Colmant left the firm in November 2023.

Practice head(s):

Michèle Hirsch; Morgan Bonneure


Janson

The fraud and white-collar crime capabilities at Janson range from assisting clients with investigations to defending them before various courts and authorities, with matters relating to financial fraud, money laundering, and insurance fraud, amongst others. ‘Excellent white-collar crime lawyer’ Céline Masschelein leads the team together with François Koning, who is well-versed in anti-money laundering.

Practice head(s):

Céline Masschelein; François Koning


Testimonials

‘Céline Masschelein is an excellent white-collar crime lawyer – combining technical expertise, hard work, and a strong connection with her peers at the white-collar bar. Personal and compassionate.’

‘High-quality firm with well-trained lawyers, active in all kinds of practice areas. I mainly contact them for disputes.’

‘Dedicated experts.’

‘Strong focus on the end result for their clients. A pleasure to work with.’

Key clients

Penninckx


Belfius Lease


Work highlights


  • Assisted the former CEO of FNG in his dispute with the regulator FSMA, and the criminal investigation by the investigating judge concerning a range of wrongdoings by FNG, the founders and its advisors.
  • Represented a former director of Weghsteen, which collapsed at the end of 2018.
  • Represented Belfius Lease as a civil claimant in criminal proceedings regarding a million-dollar fraud concerning green energy certificates.

Linklaters

Linklaters acts for domestic corporations and multinational conglomerates in investigations and proceedings relating to a number of white-collar criminal issues, such as anti-money laundering and investment fraud. Managing partner for Belgium Stefaan Loosveld leads the practice together with litigators Xavier Taton and Florence Danis.

Practice head(s):

Stefaan Loosveld; Xavier Taton; Florence Danis


Key clients

P&V Assurances/Private Insurer


Work highlights


  • Represented P&V Assurances and its newly acquired subsidiary, Private Insurer, in the context of ongoing proceedings related to the post-acquisition discovery of tax simulation affecting branch 23 life insurance contracts.

Loyens & Loeff

Praised for being ‘extremely reliable’ and ‘solutions-driven’, Loyens & Loeff‘s corporate criminal defence team handles compliance issues, corporate investigations, and criminal proceedings for clients from a variety of sectors, including finance and transport. Litigator Olivier van der Haegen leads the team together with senior associate Clémence Van Muylder.

Practice head(s):

Olivier van der Haegen; Clémence Van Muylder


Testimonials

‘The team is knowledgeable, open minded, available, collaborative and solutions-driven.’

‘Clémence Van Muylder knows what she is doing and how to do it. She provided useful and readily applicable advice and has supported us when needed.’

‘The people are compassionate and thorough in their work.’

‘Clémence Van Muylder and Olivier Van der Haegen have been excellent and thorough in their analysis and advice.’

‘I regard Loyens & Loeff as one of the leading European firms. They are an absolute go-to for advice in the Netherlands and Belgium, and are extremely reliable.’

‘When we have worked with the firm, they have been very responsive and delivered detailed bespoke advice on challenging issues.’

Key clients

Yara Belgium


Comuto Pro SAS


Média Participations


Province de Liège


Work highlights


  • Assisting and representing Comuto Pro in relation to the criminal investigation initiated in the aftermath of the BlaBlaCar bus accident in Belgium in April 2022.
  • Representing the Province of Liège (region of Wallonia) who recently obtained the status of “injured party” in the criminal investigation brought against previous executives of one of its sub-subsidiaries.
  • Representing a subsidiary in criminal proceedings concerning a fraud.

Quinz

Quinz provides assistance in corporate criminal law as part of its dispute resolution offering, wherein the firm handles allegations of bribery and corruption, fraud, defamation, and bankruptcy offences, amongst others. Litigation and arbitration specialist Benoît Allemeersch, who ‘stands out as pragmatic and enigmatic’, heads the practice.

Practice head(s):

Benoît Allemeersch


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Incalza


Testimonials

‘Efficient and adequate advice. Quickly available. High standard.’

‘Partners and associates all have a scholarly background, yet a hands-on approach.’

‘As a litigator, Benoît Allemeersch stands out as a pragmatic and enigmatic, earning his tracks in specific cases with criminal aspects.’

Key clients

P&V Assurances/Private Insurer


Work highlights


  • Defended the client across three investigations.
  • Represented the client in matters related to their former lawyer’s bankruptcy, involving alleged misappropriation of funds, and in proceedings aiming to annul an arbitral judgment.

Strelia

Strelia‘s fraud and white-collar crime practice acts for corporations, financial entities, and individuals entangled in fraud and white-collar crime litigation, working closely with the firm’s restructuring and insolvency group. Sébastien Ryelandt, leading the practice, fields significant experience in banking disputes, liability proceedings, and various white-collar criminal matters.

Practice head(s):

Sébastien Ryelandt


Key clients

ING Belgium


Liège Airport


Tetra Law

Tetra Law is noted for its expertise pertaining to tax fraud and anti-money laundering, where the firm defends individuals and corporations in both domestic and cross-border cases. Sabrina Scarnà is the key partner and specialises in criminal tax law, assisting clients with investigations and defending them in disputes.

Practice head(s):

Sabrina Scarnà


Testimonials

‘Availability and competence.’

‘High competence and strong fighting spirit.’

‘Sabrina Scarnà is real top fiscal lawyer in Belgium.’

Key clients

ING


Serge Kubla


Work highlights


  • Advised ING in a case where it was accused of helping Franco Dragone evade Belgian tax by withholding tax on dividends from a company he owned in the BVI.
  • Acted for Serge Kubla in the Duferco case, which has spanned over a decade and involved charges of corruption, forgery and money laundering.

Verhaegen Walravens

Under the leadership of Philip Walravens, who is praised for his ‘very pragmatic and solid approach’, Verhaegen Walravens handles fraud and white-collar criminal matters including those with a cross-border dimension. The team defends clients up to the Court of Cassation in issues such as sanctions violations and corruption.

Practice head(s):

Philip Walravens


Testimonials

‘Philip Walravens has broad experience.’

‘Philip Walravens has a very pragmatic and solid approach, with vast experience in white-collar crime matters.’

Work highlights


  • Represented a German company in proceedings before the Belgian Constitutional Court in connection with the validity of Belgian criminal legislation in customs matters.
  • Acted for the relative of a director of a listed company in an investigation by the Belgian Financial Services Authority on allegations of insider dealing.