Rahman Ravelli > London, England > Firm Profile

Rahman Ravelli > Firm Profile

With a market-leading presence in the City of London, bases across the UK and Europe and a worldwide network of legal experts, Rahman Ravelli is a leader in multinational and multijurisdictional serious and corporate fraud, white-collar crime, bribery and corruption, regulatory matters, complex crime, civil recovery and commercial litigation.

Rahman Ravelli has grown rapidly and provides strategic advice to corporations, governments and other organisations, senior business figures, professionals and high net worth individuals. All matters are handled directly by a partner of the firm. As a conflict-free, boutique practice offering top-tier legal services, Rahman Ravelli is regularly engaged by other law firms to provide independent advice to senior executives and to handle discrete legal matters in jurisdictions around the world.

The firm: Since it was established in 2001, the practice has built an enviable reputation in the sectors it operates in. It has earned a strong national and international presence by defending the most significant, high-profile, multi-jurisdictional and multi-agency cases robustly and effectively and by managing high-stakes commercial litigation to obtain the best possible outcome. Its caseload here and abroad grows annually.

Its recent work includes some of the largest and most high-profile global corruption investigations, deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) negotiations and cross-border investment fraud cases. It has become increasingly popular with corporates and senior executives looking to investigate and self-report wrongdoing in order to achieve a civil, rather than a criminal, solution to a problem. The firm is also utilised by corporates and high net worth individuals for its investigative and legal expertise in international and multi-jurisdictional asset tracing and recovery work.

Its heightened worldwide presence has led to a rising cross-border investigation workload. The firm is at the forefront of cases linked to investigations into the share selling practice known as Cum-Ex.

Rahman Ravelli is being increasingly called upon to advise global companies and financial institutions regarding sanctions compliance, and to act in significant, complex sanctions cases and related litigation. It is also in great demand to conduct private prosecutions for UK and international clients.

The firm is now at the cutting edge of cryptocurrency, having represented clients in a number of cases that have shaped the law in this area. Rahman Ravelli lawyers are also being sought to advise and represent major institutions in relation to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.

Rahman Ravelli’s track record of success, ability to recruit top-ranking lawyers, expertise and attention to detail have led to it being recommended to others by past and present clients, other law firms and professionals. Its strong, innovative and robust, proactive approach coupled with its network of worldwide experts has attracted clients from all over the world who need to resolve bribery and corruption allegations, corporate matters, tax investigations and regulatory issues. The firm is available around the clock and anywhere in the world to discuss its core specialisms of serious fraud, serious and white-collar crime, bribery and corruption and civil recovery, as well as defence against actions brought by regulatory bodies.

Types of work undertaken: The firm is known for its tenacious defence of clients’ interests in the face of attacks by governments and agencies. It regularly challenges allegations made by bodies such as the SFO, NCA, FCA and City of London Police and international organisations such as Interpol, FBI, OLAF and the SEC.

Fraud: Rahman Ravelli’s serious fraud expertise includes commercial fraud and business crime defence services, and all aspects of major tax fraud, international corruption and money laundering. SFO prosecutions are a speciality, with acquittals achieved in the UK’s largest-ever investment fraud trial and many other large-scale, high-profile cases. The firm regularly manages the most complex multinational and multijurisdictional fraud cases, including investigations involving multilateral development banks (MDBs), and the biggest investment fraud investigations conducted by the Financial Conduct Authority and HM Revenue and Customs. Rahman Ravelli is also heavily involved in investigations into the share-selling practice Cum-Ex.

Sanctions: Rahman Ravelli has represented major financial institutions, corporates and senior business figures from a wide range of business sectors in the highest-level sanctions cases and related litigation. It handles all aspects of sanctions, including challenging a sanctions regime’s targeting of an individual or organisation and making licence applications to the relevant authorities to release frozen funds or assets for designated persons or entities. Recently, the firm has been particularly busy advising companies and individuals on how sanctions imposed on Russia may affect their activities.

Regulatory: The firm’s regulatory department handles national and international cases; representing professionals and advising companies, including PLC’s, on corporate risk. Its serious crime expertise includes experience of complex, large-scale conspiracy allegations. The firm has developed specialist knowledge in tackling covert policing evidence relating to the right to privacy; including directed and intrusive surveillance, covert human intelligence sources and entrapment issues – techniques increasingly adopted by investigative bodies. The practice has experience in the fields of abuse of process and public interest immunity. Its case of R v H and C established the law in this area in the House of Lords in 2004. The case is the leading authority on disclosure and brought about a sweeping change regarding prosecution obligations on disclosure – an area where the firm excels.

Bribery/corruption: Rahman Ravelli works on bribery and corruption cases here and overseas that routinely involve billions of dollars, governments and companies of all sizes and from all industry sectors. It advises international companies regarding compliance and internal investigations. The firm’s client list includes corporates and professionals from all sectors, senior officials, high-net-worth individuals and members of the public being investigated by one or more agencies. Its caseload also sees it representing the likes of lawyers, IFA’s, accountants, surveyors and bankers, as well as those working in the health and education sectors, charities, the royal household, forex, pensions, mining and environmental schemes, motor transport and real estate. Its most recent work in this field has included extensive involvement in a number of huge, long-running investigations into major companies in the oil, gas and other natural resources sectors.

Civil recovery: Rahman Ravelli’s expertise includes national and international cases involving the NCA, SFO, HMRC, CPS and other agencies. It was the first firm to take a civil recovery case to the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights to protect clients’ assets – a case that defined important civil recovery issues – and manages cases involving unexplained wealth orders.

Commercial litigation including civil fraud:  Rahman Ravelli regularly and aggressively challenges worldwide freezing orders, defends multijurisdictional actions and pursues corporate wrongdoing. The firm is adept at bringing civil fraud proceedings and conducting asset tracing and recovery actions for clients globally. Its acknowledged global asset tracing and recovery skills are repeatedly used by corporates and high net worth individuals. It is also at the forefront of cryptocurrency, having represented clients in a number of cases that have shaped the law in this area.

Press Releases

Trading Abroad And Money Laundering Risks

Aziz Rahman explains what those trading internationally need to do to ensure they are not targeted by money launderers.

The Future For Corporate Liability

With the government looking at how to change the law when it comes to prosecuting companies, Aziz Rahman considers the possibilities.

Money Laundering Obligations And Property Professionals

With the housing market facing further scrutiny regarding money laundering, Aziz Rahman outlines what those working in the property sector must do to stay within the law.

The Rolls-royce Dpa – Lessons That Can Be Learnt

Aziz Rahman outlines the lessons that corporates and senior executives under investigation can learn from the huge Rolls-Royce bribery settlement.

Tackling Business Crime In Your Workplace

Failure to prevent fraud and other business crime can prove costly to companies. Ben Ticehurst and Aziz Rahman consider what can be done to identify wrongdoing and the options available when it is found.

Defending Sfo Accusations

Aziz Rahman explains how the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) builds a case – and how it can be challenged.

The Jp Morgan Scandal And The Definition Of Bribery

JP Morgan is paying $264M to settle allegations of bribery over its hiring of children of key Chinese decision makers to try and secure business. Aziz Rahman explains what constitutes bribery and how to prevent it.

Pensions and the risk of fraud

What those working in pensions must do to avoid being a victim of fraud – or being accused of it.

Why Those In Finance Must Tackle Money Laundering

With the authorities looking for more ways of tackling money laundering, Aziz Rahman explains why those working in finance must stop it for themselves.

Bitter Pill

Aziz Rahman explains why the latest pharmaceutical bribery scandal emphasises the need for companies to have a strong compliance policy.

No Avoiding It

Accountants and advisors could face tougher fines for helping clients avoid paying tax. So how can they make sure they do not fall foul of the law?

Collapse

Aziz Rahman examines some of the issues involved before, during and after a company collapses.

Damage Limitation

Putting right the wrongs and minimising the damage when your company is accused of business crime.

Lengthy Sfo Investigations

Aziz Rahman considers whether SFO investigations could be concluded quicker.

Preventing Fraud And Money Laundering

The government wants corporate executives charged when their staff carry out offences such as fraud and money laundering. How can you make sure you’re not one of those prosecuted?

Legal Developments

The Limits of the Bankers’ Book Evidence Act 1879

Nicola Sharp considers a recent case that highlighted the scope of the Act.

KBR, THE SERIOUS FRAUD OFFICE AND SECTION 2 NOTICES

Parallel Proceedings – Civil And Criminal

Syedur Rahmanconsiders the factors that determine when civil proceedings can go ahead before,or at the same time as, criminal proceedings relating to the same circumstances.

Sfo Guidance, Privilege And Internal Investigations: Some Brief Advice For Corporates

Businesses, App Fraud And Recovering Losses

A new code of conductaims to give individuals greater protection against authorised push payment(APP) fraud. Syedur Rahman explains what the best available options are forbusinesses looking to recover such losses.

The Fifth Money Laundering Directive And The Uk

Taking The Right Steps To Ensure You Do Not Commit The Offence Of Failure To Prevent The Facilitatio

The Right Way To Report A Company’s Failure To Prevent The Facilitation Of Tax Evasion

What General Counsel Need To Know About Money Laundering

WHAT GENERAL COUNSEL NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MONEY LAUNDERING

Nicola Sharp explains what money laundering is and outlineshow businesses can reduce the dangers it can pose.

Unexplained Wealth Orders: Their Potential And The Right Way To Respond If Faced With One

Aziz Rahman considers why we may see an increase inunexplained wealth orders (UWO’s) and the implications for law enforcement and individuals.

Deferred Prosecution Agreements: The Best Option? Or A Flawed Idea?

Tescoadmitted wrongdoing over its accounting scandal in order to obtain a deferredprosecution agreement and avoid a conviction. But with everyone charged overthe scandal having been cleared, Aziz Rahman examines whether the deferredprosecution agreement process needs revising.

Deferred Prosecution Agreements: Obtaining One And Seeing It Through To Completion

With Standard Bank having become the first organisation to conclude a DPA, Aziz Rahman explains why gaining one is only the start of the challenge.

Dismissal At Nissan And Workplace Crime Prevention

The sacking of Nissan’s high-profile chairman may have beenproof that nobody is infallible. But Nicola Sharp argues that it should also beseen as an indicator that no company can be considered safe from wrongdoing.

Bribery Allegations In More Than One Jurisdiction: The Importance Of Ensuring A Joined-up Defence Ap

Aziz Rahman considers the Ericsson bribery investigation and outlines how best to respond if you are investigated by more than one law enforcement agency

Bribery And The Risk It Poses To Technology Companies

With Microsoft’s activities in Hungary having come underinvestigation, Nicola Sharp explains why those at the cutting edge oftechnology need to be aware of the age-old dangers of bribery.

Conducting An Internal Investigation

Nicola Sharp and Syedur Rahman explain the value to companies of internal investigations and the importance of carrying them out correctly.

Preventing Money Laundering In The Gambling Industry

With a bookmaker being ordered to pay millions for failing to prevent money laundering, Nicola Sharp and Syedur Rahman examine how the gambling industry can tackle the problem.

Obtaining A Dpa

With the SFO laying down tough conditions to those seeking adeferred prosecution agreement (DPA), Aziz Rahman examines what companies need todo to have a chance of securing one.

Dealing With Agencies That Investigate Business Crime

Aziz Rahman outlines the powers and functions of the Serious Fraud Office, Financial Conduct Authority and National Crime Agency and explains how defence teams should respond to them.

Failing To Prevent Bribery

Following the first conviction of a company for failure toprevent bribery, Aziz Rahman considers the implications of the case for thosein business.

Money Laundering And The Gambling Industry

With a bookmaker being ordered to pay millions for failingto prevent money laundering, Nicola Sharp and Syedur Rahman examine how thegambling industry can tackle the problem.

Corporate Liability And The Individual

With much still to be decided regarding the prosecution ofindividuals over the financial scandals at Rolls-Royce and Tesco, Aziz Rahmanexamines how the fate of investigated companies can differ to that of those whoworked for them.

Defending Yourself When International Bribery Allegations Are Made

Syedur Rahman and Nicola Sharp explain how corporates shouldrespond if investigated over bribery allegations abroad.

How To Prevent Workplace Fraud

Aziz Rahman examines the scale of fraud in business andexplains how it can be prevented, identified and reported.

Politically Exposed Persons And The Legal Restrictions They Face

Aziz Rahman and Ben Ticehurst consider the Novartis scandaland the business restrictions on those holding high office.

Unexplained Wealth Orders

With unexplained wealth orders now part of UK law, Aziz Rahman assesses their likely effect and how people should respond to them.

How Executives Can Protect Themselves If A Company Collapses

Syedur Rahman and Nicola Sharp take an overview of the Carillion crisis and explain how those who ran a failed company can defend themselves

Airbus And The Risks Of Bribery Across Borders

Syedur Rahman and Nicola Sharp examine the risks of bribery in international trade and how corporates should respond if they face such allegations.

The Paradise Papers – Defending Tax Evasion Allegations

Aziz Rahman considers how anyone under investigation following the Paradise Papers leaks can mount the strongest possible defence.

The Rise Of The Dpa

With deferred prosecution agreements (DPA’s) now part of theFrench, UK and US legal systems, Aziz Rahman explains their value – and how toobtain one.

Collusion And Competition Law

Syedur Rahman and Nicola Sharp look at the Financial ConductAuthority’s action to tackle alleged breaches of competition law.

The Need To Prevent Money Laundering – Everywhere

China is toughening its money laundering prevention by taking a closer look at many more business sectors. Aziz Rahman explains the thinking behind this – and what it means for everyone trading abroad.

Compliance After The Event In Bribery And Corruption Cases

Syedur Rahman and Nicola Sharp examine the merits of compliance committees and how improving your compliance measures can help you, even while you are under investigation, in global corruption cases.

Formula One, Bribery And The Serious Fraud Office

Aziz Rahman explains why the SFO’s enquiries into Formula One are relevant to all senior executives and corporates.

The Sfo, The Future And Securing A Dpa

Now that the SFO’s future appears assured, Aziz Rahman considers what this means for those seeking deferred prosecution agreements.

Challenging Witness Credibility

The SFO has been criticised for its use of an expert witness in trials.  Aziz Rahman examines how the SFO can be challenged over its use of such witnesses.

Health And Safety: The Corporate Implications

Syedur Rahman and Nicola Sharp consider how companies can minimise the problems that can be posed by health and safety prosecutions.

Automation And Money Laundering

Aziz Rahman explains how automation can bring its own risks of money laundering – and how they can be reduced.

Increased Insolvency Powers

Ben Ticehurst explains the new powers at the Insolvency Service’s disposal – and what those in business need to do to ensure they do not fall foul of them.

Emissions Testing And Fraud

Porsche is the latest car maker to be investigated over emissions test fraud. Syedur Rahman and Nicola Sharp explain the wide-ranging effects of workplace fraud and the way to eradicate it.

The Serious Fraud Office: Ways To Deal With It

Aziz Rahman explains how to respond to a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation in order to secure the best outcome.

Making Sure You Do Enough To Prevent Money Laundering

With money laundering coming under ever-closer scrutiny, Aziz Rahman explains why you need to make sure your preventative measures are good enough.

The Dangers Of Cartels.

Syedur Rahman and Nicola Sharp consider two recent cartel cases and examine why businesses must take care not to become involved in such behaviour.

The Sfo And Section Two Interviews: Why Robust Defence Is Needed

Aziz Rahman explains why the SFO’s insistence that solicitors cannot be present for interviews under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act can be and should be challenged.

The Fourth Eu Anti-money Laundering Directive: What It Means For Business

With the Directive coming into effect, Aziz Rahman examines its implications.

The Huge Costs Of Bribery

Aziz Rahman looks at the case of Petrofac, explains how bribery can ruin a company and emphasises what must be done to prevent it.

Cross-border Investigations

The huge Petrobras bribery scandal has engulfed companies in many countries. Syedur Rahman and Nicola Sharp explain what needs to be done if your company is investigated in more than one country.

Corruption: How To Defend Yourself

Aziz Rahman outlines why allegations of corruption in football should act as a warning to everyone in business about the need to prevent wrongdoing.

Challenging Fca Accusations

Nicola Sharp and Syedur Rahman explain how changes to the way the FCA investigates cases will make it easier for companies and individuals to negotiate the best possible outcome.

Obtaining A Dpa

With deferred prosecution agreements (DPA’s) becoming more common, Aziz Rahman considers how a company under investigation can enhance its chances of obtaining one in order to avoid prosecution.

What The Criminal Finances Bill Means For Asset Seizure And Forfeiture

Syedur Rahman and Nicola Sharp examine the changes likely when the Criminal Finances Bill becomes law.

The Policing And Crime Act 2017

Aziz Rahman talks through the Act’s implications for those in business in the UK.

Tesco: A Question Of Corporate Criminal Liability?

Aziz Rahman examines what the deferred prosecution agreement the supermarket giant has reached with the SFO may mean for other corporates.

The Laundromat Saga: The Fca And Money Laundering Risks

With banks being investigated over alleged Russian money laundering, Aziz Rahman examines the precautions financial professionals must take.