Giles Bark-Jones > Bark&co > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Fraud and business crime firm Bark&co is ‘experienced in every aspect of tax and VAT investigations’ and has expertise in handling appeals in the VAT Tribunals, tax fraud cases, and HMRC interventions and seizures. Founder and practice head Giles Bark-Jones is praised by one client as ‘undoubtedly one of the leading practitioners in the country’, and he has significant experience in international fraud and corruption cases, as well as fraud cases and HMRC assessment challenges.

Bark&co’s general crime practice covers the full gamut of crime work, including murder and manslaughter cases, money laundering, sexual offences, drug offences, as well as extensive experience on organised crime groups. The team is led by the ‘remarkable‘ founder Giles Bark-Jones, who also possesses significant experience in cases of criminal fraud, alongside advice on offences under anti-terrorism legislation. Senior solicitor Ria Kudrati is recommended for her representation of vulnerable children and adults, while fellow solicitor Karamjit Singh specialises in murder cases. Associate Vanessa Wiggins is a key contact for cases involving violent crime and drugs, while solicitor advocate Dharsh Lokaswaran’s recent work includes cases of modern slavery.

Bark&co is a leading name in criminal tax matters, providing ‘an absolutely gold star service‘ on a broad range of high-profile and high-value fraud cases. The department also has strength in civil litigation, including VAT and excise duty cases. Firm founder and ‘brilliant strategist’ Giles Bark-Jones handles both criminal and civil matters. Peter Finbow‘s practice is focused on white-collar crime, including a broad range of fraud. Senior solicitor Maria Stalbow is experienced in complex and high profile corruption and fraud cases.

A ‘leading light in financial crime’, Bark&co’s criminal fraud practice specialises in the whole spectrum of white-collar criminal work, with a specific focus on advising individual clients in high-profile SFO, FCA, and HMRC investigations. The team shows considerable strength in handling bribery and corruption proceedings, tax fraud, and money laundering cases, routinely representing clients from the energy, finance, and technology sectors. The group’s principal Giles Bark-Jones is regarded by clients as a ‘real heavyweight’ who brings considerable expertise in major international fraud and corruption cases to the department, while solicitor advocate Charles Long has over 35 years of experience in litigation. Senior consultant David Byrne focuses on regulatory investigations, while Peter Finbow and Maria Stalbow are noted for their knowledge of financial fraud issues and corruption prosecutions.