33 Chancery Lane

Narita Bahra KC

Narita Bahra KC is a leading Criminal and Business Fraud Defence Barrister who appears in serious, complex and high profile cases. Her fearless and fresh approach makes her widely sought after by clients in private crime cases. Narita has established a reputation for meticulous preparation, mastery of detail, effective cross-examination, jury rapport and excellent client relations. Narita is recognised as a formidable criminal defence KC who is instructed in murder, serious international organised crime, terrorism and sexual offence cases. Her investigative approach leads her team to successful results. Narita is recognised as an effective tactician in the field of Business Crime. Her stellar work ethic results in tangible impact and defining successful outcomes in cases involving fraud, tax evasion, money laundering and confiscation. Narita is instructed in and impacted high profile cases in which disclosure failings have been unmasked. Narita regularly appears on national TV and Radio; Sky, BBC, ITV and Radio 4 as a legal correspondent. Narita is an author and contributor to legal journals. Her excellent track record and high success rate before juries make her a leading choice. Publications: ‘A Practical Guide to Confiscation and Restraint’ by Narita Bahra KC, David Winch, John Carl Townsend; ‘Tackling Disclosure in the Criminal Courts – A Practitioner’s Guide’ by Narita Bahra KC & Don Ramble

Minka is an experienced and extremely effective criminal defence barrister. She is regularly instructed in a wide array of serious cases – including terrorism, murder and complex fraud. Minka is frequently instructed in extremely lengthy, large-scale and highly complex fraud trials. Her meticulous eye for detail and effortless ability to assimilate vast amounts of data has seen her achieve impressive results.

Graham Brodie KC

Graham Brodie KC specialises in civil and criminal litigation arising out of allegations of commercial wrong-doing. He has developed a substantial practice defending in prosecutions for white collar crime, and acting for both claimants and defendants in civil fraud claims. He has particular expertise in proceedings concerning bribery and corruption, restraint, freezing and confiscation of assets. Graham has extensive experience of public law and is frequently involved in challenges arising out of criminal investigations, commercial judicial review and proceedings arising out of the conduct of elections. Graham is often asked to provide strategic advice to clients who are subject to investigation, especially those which give rise to issues involving both civil and criminal law.

Aidan specialises in international arbitration and litigation involving civil fraud, chancery commercial and insolvency, offshore and Privy Council work, and general commercial dispute resolution. He also practises in banking and financial disputes, and has significant experience in sports law (particularly football). Most of his work is cross-border in nature. He has significant experience in disputes involving Russia/the CIS, The UAE, Mauritius, Cyprus, Sweden, The BVI, Malta, Switzerland, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. He has been called (pro hac) to the Bars of Bermuda and the Bahamas. The Legal 500 describes him as “an all-round excellent barrister, a first choice on almost every fraud case” and “extremely thorough and diligent and able to get to grips with extremely complex matters very quickly”. Aidan is rated by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners as a leading silk in: Commercial Dispute Resolution, Offshore, and Civil Fraud.

Aidan specialises in international and domestic litigation and arbitration involving civil fraud and asset recovery, shareholder and director disputes, and contractual and commercial cases across the spectrum. He also has experience of POCA, Sanctions crypto and digital assets. A substantial part of his work is offshore, and he regularly appears in the Privy Council. He also has significant experience in sports law (particularly football). Much of his work, particularly his arbitration and asset-recovery work, is cross-border in nature. He has significant experience in disputes involving Russia/the CIS, UAE, Mauritius, Cyprus, Sweden, BVI, Malta, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Bermuda, The Bahamas, Kenya and Nigeria. He has been called (pro hac) to the Bars of Bermuda and The Bahamas and is qualified to appear in the DIFC and the ADGM.

Olivia Chaffin-Laird

Olivia has a commercial practice with experience in banking and finance and financial regulation, professional negligence, fraud, contract, company and partnership and insolvency disputes. Her cases are often complex, high value and high stakes.  She is recognised for her meticulous preparation and attention to detail, combined with thorough and tenacious advocacy. Olivia provides a clear, analytical approach with a degree of pragmatism. Ranked in the legal directories for commercial disputes.

Catherine Collins

Catherine’s practice encompasses all aspects of financial wrongdoing, and she carries her forensic expertise from white-collar crime and asset recovery into her investigative work. She is featured as a Leading Junior in the Proceeds of Crime & Asset Forfeiture section of the 2024 edition of The Legal 500, where they comment “Straight-talking, thoughtful, diligent: a dependable team player and an absolute pleasure to deal with.” Previously The Legal 500 has stated “Catherine fights incredibly hard at each and every stage of her client's case. She always ensures that every conceivable positive point is explored and she prepares for every eventuality.” “Catherine immerses herself in cases she is instructed on and can recall information accurately at will. She does not leave anything to chance and will have considered all options and all eventualities to ensure that her client has the best chance of prevailing unscathed. From company directors to those with limited means, expect Catherine to give her all to your case. You would definitely want Catherine in your corner.” Catherine is also recommended in Chambers and Partners 2024 for both Financial Crime and for POCA Work and Asset Forfeiture where they comment that she is "Exceptionally bright, she has great judgement and is really good at dealing with clients. She is somebody whose opinion you can value." "Catherine is probably one of the most diligent barristers around. She's a master of the detail, and her knowledge of the law is insane as well." Financial Crime Catherine acts for the prosecution and defence in white-collar crime matters; she has an incisive and thorough approach to substantial and complex fraud cases. Current instructions include acting for the first defendant in the Patisserie Valerie prosecution brought by the SFO, and acting for the SFO in its prosecution of the directors of the Raedex Group. Her defence experience includes being instructed in money laundering (including international laundering and cases where there are Hawala banking defences), through to the first SFO prosecution for offences related to “rigging” LIBOR, and as a led junior in the successful defence of a Company Secretary charged with fraud and corruption. Asset Recovery Catherine has experience in dealing with CJA, DTA and POCA confiscation matters, including ancillary issues such as restraint, contempt and cash forfeiture. She has acted for the prosecution, defence and third parties at all stages of asset recovery proceedings, from contested confiscation through to enforcement and receivership. She regularly advises on, and assists in, the preparation of written statements for the purposes of asset recovery proceedings (whether in the Magistrates’ or Crown Court). Her Restraint practice encompasses cases including international assets, and applications for Orders at all stages of proceedings, including post-conviction. Confiscation FCA v Choucair & Abdel-Malek (led). Confiscation arising from convictions for insider trading. R v Caplan. Confiscation arising from conviction for romance fraud. R v Dunn. Confiscation arising from involvement in drug-dealing (Encrochat case). R v AK. Successfully intervening for a bank, the victim of a fraud, in confiscation proceedings; defeated a proprietary claim made by the liquidator of AK’s former company to the bank’s misappropriated funds. R v F. Successfully intervening for a company, the victim of fraud, in confiscation proceedings; application contested by the company director’s wife. R v G. PoCA discontinued by the Crown following legal argument. Account Freezing and Forfeiture X (led). Successfully challenging seizure and detention applications under POCA 2002, related to high value Listed Assets and cash, on behalf of an UHNWI subject of politically charged allegations of criminal conduct. Operation B (led). Successful forfeiture of an account balance, part of a wider investigation concerning the laundering of criminal cash and its eventual transfer to cryptoassets. Re A and Re W. Freezing and Forfeiture cases concerning the suspicious movement of monies internationally via suspected Trade Based Money Laundering. Other Al Hajjeh v MPS (led). Acted for the MPS in relation to the seizure and repatriation of an historical artefact, stolen overseas. A v ACC (led). Successfully resisted an application under s.72 PoCA. Re: K. Successful variation of CJA 1988 Restraint Order for a Third Party in the context of enforcement proceedings against the defendant. Civil Catherine’s civil practice encompasses fraud, receivership and civil recovery. She has undertaken work in cases with an international aspect, and has appeared in the First Tier Tribunal in tax matters. Relevant cases include: Re X. Advising a professional executor on POCA implications arising in connection with the distribution of an estate. (A Charity) v PP (led). Fraud, conversion, personal and proprietary claims on behalf of an international charity; victim of a large-scale misappropriation by a corrupt employee. NCA v (A Bank) (led). Representing a bank in civil recovery proceedings; negotiated settlement. NCA v TD and others. Representing the Management Receiver in CJA receivership proceedings. NCA v KH and SH. Acting for the Official Solicitor, intervening on behalf of a child in civil recovery proceedings. Re: FX247. Representing a Third Party in Insolvency Act proceedings; negotiated settlement. Investigations, Inquests and Inquiry Work Catherine has appeared, both led and alone, in various high-profile cases on behalf of the Metropolitan Police, and other forces, advising in relation to warrants, disclosure orders, production orders and judicial review matters connected thereto. She has acted in investigations with an international element, and in those concerning terrorism, murder, and sex offences in addition to financial crime. Instructed on behalf of the Designated Lawyers in the Undercover Policing Inquiry, which is investigating and reporting on undercover police operations in England from 1968-2008. Catherine also has experience representing interested parties in inquests (Article 2 and non-jury). Catherine has experience in conducting internal investigations, including recent instructions in relation to a confidential internal investigation into serious allegations for a media group. She has also advised and represented individuals facing investigation and/or disciplinary proceedings brought by the FCA. General Crime In addition to conventional criminal work in the Crown, Magistrates’ and Youth Courts, Catherine has represented the interests of individuals affected by criminal proceedings, including those who are subject to witness summonses. She has considerable experience representing clients in relation to offences under the Computer Misuse Act as well as ancillary proceedings (including financial applications) arising from online crimes. She has also advised clients in relation to the potential commission of cybercrime offences. She has appeared in the Court of Appeal, led and alone, in relation to fraud, general crime and POCA. Led by Amanda Pinto KC, Catherine provided an amicus brief to the Court of Appeal for a US attorney association on LPP and litigation privilege in the ENRC litigation. Appointments SFO B Panel; SFO POCA B Panel; CPS Proceeds of Crime Panel Level 3; CPS Fraud Panel Level 2; CPS Level 2; Metropolitan Police DLS Panel; Elected Member of the Bar Council (2018-2020 inclusive). Trustee of the Lumi Foundation (since 2023). Catherine is registered with the Bar Council Public Access Directory and regularly accepts instructions on a direct access basis. Publications Contributing editor; ‘Mitchell, Taylor & Talbot: Confiscation and the Proceeds of Crime’.

Christopher Convey

Christopher Convey practices in the field of national and international commercial wrongdoing with a particular specialism in fraud, corporate crime, money laundering, Revenue fraud, asset forfeiture and data protection. Recent high-profile cases include defending in the EURIBOR and UBS LIBOR cases, the defence of Asil Nadir, representing the US Department of Justice in the matter of Stanford International Bank and the defence of a major pharmaceuticals company in a restrictive practices claim brought against it by the Department of Health. Other examples of his practice include the successful defence of an alleged multi-million pound construction-industry-based tax fraud and related money laundering operation, a multi-million pound travel industry fraud, the successful defence of a solicitor charged with money laundering, the defence of a UK-based international businessman for a multi-million pound fraud against HMRC and the successful representation of a solicitor accused of perverting the course of justice. His international work has included acting for off-shore trust companies and HM Attorneys General of Jersey and the Turks and Caicos Islands. He is also frequently asked to represent and protect the interests of third parties and victims affected by asset forfeiture and confiscation proceedings in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court.

Martin Evans KC

Martin’s practice involves all aspects of the law relating to asset recovery, money laundering and confiscation. He is experienced in handling the most complex restraint, receivership, forfeiture and civil recovery proceedings. With cases straddling criminal and civil jurisdictions, Martin acts for clients in the Crown Court, the High Court (King’s Bench & Chancery Divisions and the Administrative Court) as well as the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Acknowledged as one of the leading practitioners in the field of Criminal Fraud (“Stands out amongst his peers for top-tier handling of fraud and corruption cases relating to money laundering and SFO investigations”: ‘Who’s Who Legal: UK Bar 2022’). Martin defends, prosecutes and represents third parties (including companies) in serious fraud and corruption cases. Ranked as a leading Silk for POCA Work and Asset Forfeiture in Chambers UK & Legal 500 directories: ‘A go to barrister for Supreme Court POCA work. Outstanding advocacy - highly persuasive with silky elegance and charm.' ‘Martin is exceptional. A joy to work with, he has sound judgement and offers real expertise in POCA matters.‘ "Very skilful and a pleasure to work with, he gives clear, categorical advice." “He is clearly respected by judges and other practitioners in the field.” “Evans is absolutely phenomenal.” “He understands how the authorities work and how they're going to react to issues.” “Few know more about this area. A real leader in the field. Delivers particularly high-quality written work. He is well-respected by all, including the judiciary and opponents. At home before any tribunal - civil or criminal. A good communicator and very responsive. A real team player who is willing to put himself out to deliver for those instructing him”. “Clever, engaged, personable and very knowledgeable, he's a pleasure to work with.” “Very personable and able to give clear, practical advice in short order. Very responsive.“ "Clever and analytical but also charming and funny." “Martin is considered a leading thinker on corporate crime and a ‘go to’ for money laundering cases” He has a strong appellate practice; in the last few years he has been instructed in numerous cases before the Court of Appeal in which he did not appear in the lower court. He has been instructed two appeals in the Supreme Court: in the landmark case of CPS v Aquila Advisory Ltd (for the Respondent) and in Andrewes for the Appellant (the CPS). Martin has been a contributing editor of ‘Archbold’ since 2006 and has responsibility for the chapters on confiscation and money laundering offences. He is co-author of ‘Corporate Criminal Liability’ (described as “scholarly and comprehensive” by Lord Hoffmann), the fourth edition of which was published in April 2021. He has delivered training on money laundering for the Bar Council; devised materials for a training program for the judiciary on restraint and receivership under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and provided training to the Metropolitan Police on investigative powers. He regularly lectures on asset recovery and related topics both in the UK and abroad.

Rachel has a dual practice spanning both civil and criminal proceedings, acting in cases across the spectrum of financial wrongdoing, proceeds of crime and tax investigations. She has particular experience in POCA 2002 matters (including account freezing, restraint, forfeiture, confiscation and money laundering). Having qualified as a solicitor in 2015 and then practised for three years in the tax department of a major City law firm, she brings experience beyond her Call. Rachel accepts instructions to appear before the civil and criminal courts (for both prosecution and defence) and the tax tribunals. She is a Grade 2 Prosecutor.

Fiona Jackson practises and provides strategic advice in domestic and international civil, commercial and criminal cases of fraud and money laundering, bribery and corruption, international mutual legal assistance and mutual recognition, international regulatory work, proceeds of crime and tracing, civil and criminal asset recovery, business crime and compliance issues. Fiona is ranked in Band 1 in Chambers UK 2014-2025 as well as Tier 1 in the Legal 500, which note that Fiona is “A superb practitioner in the field of POCA who is very approachable and shows the highest levels of organisation.” “She is meticulous, forensic in her approach and can be tough when she needs to be”. “She has a very good and effective advocacy style which judges like.”“Fiona is truly an expert in the world of POCA and asset forfeiture. A pragmatic barrister with an encyclopaedic mind. One of my go-to counsel for complex confiscation matters.“ and ‘‘she is conscientious, approachable, very down to earth, and very hands-on.’’ “Extremely knowledgeable, and a genuine expert in POCA and asset forfeiture matters.” ‘‘Smart and personable, she doesn't have the nerd factor that some have in this field. She is professionally top drawer.’’ “An excellent advocate who is reliable, extremely hard-working, commercially aware, user-friendly and very approachable." "She has a deep-rooted understanding of how all of these areas of law work.” Acquisition International presented her with its 2013 award for Sustained Excellence in Recovering Bribery Assets - UK. Current instructions include advising and representing defendants, third parties and prosecutors on significant civil recovery, criminal restraint, listed asset forfeiture and cash forfeiture proceedings; advising on Unexplained Wealth Orders and the availability of European Investigation Orders; defending in a multi-handed corruption trial prosecuted by the Crown Prosecution Service at Southwark Crown Court; assisting foreign governments with domestic and international civil and criminal recovery of the alleged proceeds of crime; part of the prosecution team for the SFO for confiscation proceedings following successful prosecution of a multi-million pound conspiracy to defraud; and advising and representing third parties in applications under s.10A of POCA 2002 and divorcing parties in linked family proceedings. Fiona has represented a wide range of prominent defence and prosecution clients, companies and individuals, including prosecuting authorities and investigation and regulatory agencies such as the Competition & Markets Authority, Financial Conduct Authority and Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, as well as a variety of police forces, foreign governments and receivers, in cases before the House of Lords, Court of Appeal, High Court and Crown Court. Her experience ranges from cases involving worldwide and domestic restraint and freezing of assets, receivership, criminal confiscation and civil asset recovery, significant cash seizure and asset forfeiture, and linked judicial review, to major fraud, money laundering and business crime trials. Fiona is often instructed because of her ability to offer advice and representation on a case, from advising upon, defending and prosecuting or applying for pre-charge/pre-action restraint and freezing proceedings at the very outset to dealing with confiscation issues and linked asset/civil recovery proceedings at the conclusion of a case. Fiona is appointed to both of the SFO’s 'A' Panels of Prosecution and Proceeds of Crime Counsel, and the CPS Advocates' Panel Specialist Proceeds of Crime List. A regular lecturer on her areas of practice and contributor to the leading textbook “Confiscation and the Proceeds of Crime”, Fiona was also engaged by the Bar Council to develop, devise, and deliver its money laundering training to all barristers undertaking Public Access work.

Nick has an extensive financial crime practice, representing those accused of bribery, fraud or money laundering. Nick acts in Proceeds of Crime matters, very recently in the consolidated Appeals, R v Haden and others [2024] EWCA Crim 344, on refusals to extend the period of postponement in confiscation proceedings. Nick also acts in Sports Law cases, recently representing the head of the Belarus Athletics Team who was charged with violations of the World Athletics Integrity Code of Conduct. Recent Directory quotes include: ‘…empathetic with clients and impressive in court’ and ‘..courageous and unshakable in his commitment to his clients’. ‘He has a knack. He really knows his cases and tactically plays things just right. ‘On his feet Nick is an extremely skilled advocate, one of the very the best at the Bar, who combines meticulous preparation with exceptional client care.’ ‘Nick is an engaging advocate who retains a personal and affable manner even when forcefully making points to a judge or jury. He has a wonderfully light touch. He is thorough and hardworking’ Financial Crime and POCA R v PL & Ors (2024) - £54m Money-Laundering Conspiracy R v Haden and others [2024] EWCA Crim 344- Special Court to consider conjoined appeals re refusals to extend the period of postponement for confiscation. R v SZ & Ors (2023) - Cheat on the Revenue and associated money-laundering offences. SFO v NW & Ors (2022-3) - company director charged with bribery and money laundering offences by the SFO. R v AS & Ors (2022) - 12-handed money laundering operation. R v AH & Ors (2022) - Investment fraud boiler room fraud. R v MJ & Ors (2021) - 20 handed Conspiracy to Defraud the Civil Aviation Authority. R v LC & Ors (2021) - 13 handed multi-million pound MTIC fraud. R v MdP & Ors (2021) - Private prosecution of Italian nationals brought by the American clothing brand Supreme for trademark infringements in Europe and China. R v Byrne [2021] EWCA Crime 107 - Represented two former company directors in the joined appeal relating to the discredited carbon credit expert. R v GS (2019) - Money laundering of funds from a £3m nationwide banking fraud. R v MS & Ors (2018) - 13 handed MTIC fraud alleged to have caused a loss to HMRC in excess of £20m. R v EE (2018) - US and UK investigation into hacking of US employee pension scheme. R v Pabon [2018] EWCA Crim 420 - Appeal for a Barclays trader who had been convicted of Libor rigging. R v SH & Ors (2016-17) - Defending a company director in a series of 3 high value fraud trials involving allegations of investment fraud, fraudulent trading and defrauding Natwest bank. R v MB & Ors (2017) - Private prosecution alleging Fraudulent Trading and Theft. Crime R v KK & Ors (2021) - Multi-handed Class A Drugs Conspiracies each operated using Encrochat devices. R v MA & Ors (2021) - Complex firearms trial. R v RK & Ors (2021) - Conspiracy to import a significant volume of cannabis. R v SD & Ors (2019) - Conspiracy to Supply Heroin. R v JN & Ors (2018) - Multi-handed conspiracy to commit aggravated burglaries at mobile phone shops. R v JB (2018) - Murder trial involving the deliberate targeting of the victim by a gang. R v AA - Represented a 16-year-old boy with ADHD accused of murdering his friend over an argument on snapchat. R v EE & Ors - Three-handed murder trial involved a knife fight between four men which was captured on film and witnessed by numerous members of the public.

Flavia is a specialist barrister in matters relating to crypto and digital assets with substantial knowledge and experience of Blockchain, AI, Web3, FinTech, smart legal contracts, and digital trade. Flavia has a second-to-none understanding of the tensions and opportunities present between law and technology and has been instrumental in navigating complex web3 and decentralised finance disputes. She often acts for traditional companies, start-ups, and SMEs, as well as blockchain-based businesses, DAOs, public, and private institutions, governmental and non-governmental institutions. Her wider practice is split between commercial disputes, financial crime and fraud (civil and criminal), spanning many years of trial experience as an advocate. Flavia is recognised as a leading barrister in Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 for the past decade. Ranked Tier 1 in Legal 500 for Crypto-assets and Blockchain (and Tier 3 for Crime). Complementing her technology expertise, Flavia heads the legal consultancy at the think-tank Big Innovation Centre in London and has given evidence to Parliament at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Blockchain adoption into industry and the legal challenges. Flavia can accept instructions on a direct access basis. Languages: English, Romanian and French

Andrew Mitchell KC

Specialises in advising and representing clients international and domestically in civil and criminal asset forfeiture, confiscation and restraint, financial crime, commercial wrongdoing corruption and receivership. Advises and represents multinationals, professionals, prosecuting authorities, defendants, court appointed officers and third parties in all aspects of the restraint, management and confiscation of property and on the practice and procedure in relation to money laundering regulations and legislation, compliance, fraud, corruption and civil commercial wrongdoing. Current and recent cases include the prosecution of politicians and attorneys relating to multi-millions of bribery and corruption in property developments in the Turks and Caicos; acting for Nigerian Government in the Commerical Court to recoup funds stolen by a former oil minister; acting in civil recovery proceedings relating to corrupt payments to an ambassador from an energy company; advising the SFO in the Glaxo investigation; advising the US DoJ in relation to US/Caribbean cross-jurisdictional issues; and advising and representing several defendants in ongoing POCA proceedings as well as advising a Caribbean Country on a new proceeds of crime bill and its implementation.

Armando’s practice spans the full spectrum of commercial and international disputes, including complex civil fraud, international arbitration, asset recovery and enforcement, and cross-border and offshore litigation. He has particular experience of banking and finance, energy and natural resources, and shareholder and joint venture disputes, along with significant international arbitration expertise, having acted as counsel in a number of institutional and ad hoc commercial and investor-state arbitrations over many years. Armando is often instructed on matters involving a jurisdictional or conflict of laws element or where there are contested allegations of civil fraud and misrepresentation, corruption or money laundering. Armando is currently instructed as junior counsel for one of the individual defendants in Public Institution for Social Security v Al Rajaan & Ors, a case brought by Kuwait’s national pension fund. The dispute involves bribery and money laundering claims (under Kuwaiti, Swiss and English law) valued by the claimant at over £2 billion. It is one of the largest and most complex fraud disputes ever to be heard in the Commercial Court and was recently featured as one of The Lawyer’s ‘Top 20 Cases’ for 2025. Other matters on which Armando is currently instructed include a complex shareholders’ dispute before the Commercial Court, an ICSID arbitration on behalf of an investor, and a proceeds of crime matter. Additionally, Armando has an active pro bono practice, having recently appeared on that basis as junior counsel for the successful appellant in the Court of Appeal in 159-167 Prince of Wales Road RTM Company Ltd v Assethold Ltd, in which the Court commended “the very thorough manner in which the appeal was prepared” and the “significant assistance” provided to the Court. Prior to joining 33 Chancery Lane, Armando was an experienced arbitration and commercial litigation practitioner at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP in London and, before that, McDermott Will & Emery LLP and Watson Farley & Williams LLP. Before moving to the Bar, he was a recommended lawyer for both international arbitration and commercial litigation in The Legal 500 (UK) 2023, where he was profiled based on client feedback as a “superstar” with “extraordinary” intellectual capabilities. Armando began his career more than a decade ago at a leading New Zealand law firm, Chapman Tripp, where he often appeared as counsel before the New Zealand courts, including appearing successfully before the Court of Appeal. As a former experienced solicitor, Armando is approachable and user-friendly, understands the demands clients place on professionals in law firms, and is adept at working collaboratively within a team structure. Armando graduated from Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand with a Bachelor of Laws with Honours (First Class) and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and international relations. He featured on the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence for law and was one of the top graduating students in his year in both law and arts. Armando also holds a master’s degree in law from Columbia University Law School in New York, where he graduated as a James Kent Scholar (equivalent to a distinction) in recognition of “outstanding academic achievement” and ranked first in class in several subjects. His academic focus was on international commercial and investment arbitration, the interplay of civil and criminal law (with his dissertation supervised by the Hon. Judge Jed S. Rakoff of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York), and commercial remedies. Armando was also a student editor of The American Review of International Arbitration and a research assistant to Professor George A. Bermann.

The core of Faisal's work relates to domestic and international civil and criminal asset recovery on behalf of governments and commercial organisations, and the worldwide enforcement of judgments and awards. He also advises and acts in civil and criminal commercial wrongdoing disputes, particularly in cases with foreign dimensions (with a focus on the DIFC Court). Faisal’s work also includes commercial litigation, anti-corruption, regulatory enforcement, sanctions and professional discipline. He provides technical assistance for capacity building worldwide in respect of anti-corruption, asset recovery and money laundering.

Mark Rainsford KC

An internationally pre-eminent silk and litigation strategy expert, specialising in business crime, anti-money laundering, Global Investigations - particularly banking and corporate; criminal defence, and criminal, civil and commercial fraud cases. Mark is astute at the pre-charge investigation stage, with an impressive track record of deploying strategies to avoid prosecution. His early involvement often results in a non-prosecution outcome. Clients include SMEs, FTSE 100 and Global Fortune 500 companies, directors, UHNW, HNW individuals; City law firms, accountancy, and private equity firms. Mark represents corporate whistle-blowers and has unrivalled experience in successfully representing individuals and witnesses involved in SFO, US DoJ and SEC investigations. He represents witnesses in cases following parallel civil and criminal tracks. Current instructions and previous flagship cases include: NMC PLC; Allseas Group; 1MDB; ENRC PLC; London Capital &. Finance ('LCF'); CWM FX; LIA (sovereign wealth fund) v. Société Générale; and Vincent Tchenguiz. A team player, Mark has a commanding vision honed from years' experience as leading counsel, fighting hundreds of trials, and fulfilling complex overview roles. Mark is also an expert in criminal restraint, AFOs, and the seizure and return of crypto currency/digital assets.

If you need advice about LPP Linda is the barrister you should turn to. Her métier has evolved from extensive experience in litigating financial wrongdoing of all kinds. With her excellent insight into resolving sensitive and complex issues and her familiarity with intricate, heavyweight cases she quickly and effectively identifies the essential issues. Unsurprisingly she is highly sought after by parties needing top rate LPP advice. Linda has an advisory and mediation practice. She is highly regarded for her independence and integrity and with her expert knowledge of LPP she is in great demand as independent counsel (LPP counsel) in the most high-profile cases. She is currently instructed as independent counsel advising the Met Police in their investigation into the fire at Grenfell Tower. The list of cases in which she has been independent counsel include the investigation into Tesco PLC, Operations Weeting, Yewtree, and Elveden. Her extensive experience as a barrister in litigating financial wrongdoing means that she has an excellent insight into resolving sensitive and complex issues. Familiarity with intricate and heavyweight cases gives her the ability to absorb material quickly and effectively. Specialising in LPP advice for several years has put Linda at the top of the list when parties need an LPP counsel who is able to manage large scale, complex cases. Linda is also qualified teacher for adults and frequently train investigators and solicitors who need a better practical understanding of LPP. When mediating she draws on her litigation skills and knowledge to help parties resolve their disputes without the risk and cost of going to trial. Linda is accredited by ADR Group for both commercial and family mediation work enabling her to offer a flexible approach to conflict resolution, Hybrid mediation permits the best of both worlds – joint meetings and private meetings can be on the same day or over a few weeks. The mediation is structured to suit the needs of the parties and the nature of the dispute rather than following a prescribed format. Linda advocates mediation being used more in cases of financial wrongdoing and particularly where third parties claim an interest in assets subject to a confiscation order. Enforcement proceedings often run into long, complicated and expensive litigation. If those assets have a limited financial value then the time and costs of litigation are hard to justify. With Linda’s assistance as an independent mediator, parties can be helped to find a balanced solution that meets all parties’ requirements. As a community mediator Linda specialises in inter-generational family disputes in East Sussex. Linda spent 14 years in the Government Legal Service before coming to the Bar in 2002. While in the Central Confiscation Unit of the CPS Linda dealt with ground-breaking asset freezing cases on behalf of foreign governments including those concerning high profile politicians. As Legal Adviser to the Companies Investigation Branch of the DTI her main areas of responsibility were insider dealing, market manipulation, directors’ duties and illegal trading schemes. Again, her caseload included some of the most high-profile cases of the day. Being registered with the Bar Council for Direct Public Access means that any person (individual or corporate) may instruct Linda directly without going through a solicitor. Linda acts as independent counsel advising on legal professional privilege and is frequently instructed in cases brought by all the leading prosecuting authorities including high profile/large volume cases such as the investigations into payments for peerages and phone hacking.

A senior junior counsel with decades of experience in cases related to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, financial wrongdoing, money laundering and asset forfeiture. Instructed by all the leading prosecuting authorities in the UK in addition to advising and/or representing Claimants, Defendants, and Third Parties [Both Corporates and Individuals] in restraint, trials [including criminal] and/or hearings related to the protection and/or realisation of assets and/or proprietary interests; including in a criminal context both before and after conviction. Specialist in account/cash seizure and/or forfeiture proceedings; restraint and receivership hearings, confiscation hearings, third party intervention in matrimonial proceedings, Disclosure Orders, Warrants and the SAR regime. Regularly instructed in mutual legal assistance matters and in cases where assets are located outside the UK jurisdiction. Regularly advises Corporates and LLP Solicitor firms who find themselves caught up in civil or criminal investigations. Has an additional expertise navigating proceedings involving marital and or co-habiting partners whose assets are intertwined with an alleged wrongdoer. Was instructed in one of the earliest Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 restraint proceedings involving digital assets [Bitcoin]. Ms Small is a contributing editor of Confiscation and the Proceeds of Crime (Sweet and Maxwell 3rd Edition). Ms Small is a regular lecturer who has recently delivered training on Money Laundering/Confiscation and Extradition proceedings to law officers and stakeholders in the Virgin Islands.

Ian is a commercial litigator, dealing with complex and high value cases, usually with an international dimension. He is a specialist in commercial and civil-court fraud litigation, asset recovery, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, anti-tax evasion, financial sanctions laws, risk management and compliance. Ian represents both corporations and individuals from a diverse range of commercial sectors, and countries. Ian practiced as a solicitor in London from 1995 and was a solicitor advocate until his call to the Bar in 2003. Ian is instructed by a range of law firms in the UK and overseas.

Christopher Snell

Chris has a commercial disputes practice with experience of financial services and banking and finance disputes, insolvency (both corporate and personal), civil fraud and asset recovery, cryptocurrency, company and contract disputes. He also has costs experience including litigation funding, DBA’s, CFA’s, detailed assessment and cost related disputes. Most recently, Chris was the successful party at both first instance and in the Court of Appeal in the landmark decision Lexlaw v Zuberi [2021] EWCA Civ 16. This is the first reported decision on the enforceability of Damages Based Agreements.  His cases often have an international and offshore dimension. Chris was involved in significant offshore litigation arising out of the liquidation of several large US insurance companies following the conviction of the ultimate beneficial owner for bribery and insurance fraud. He has also given expert evidence in proceedings before the Court of First Instance in Hong Kong concerning matters of English Civil Procedure. 

Barry Stancombe

Barry is a specialist in asset forfeiture and proceeds of crime particularly in the areas of restraint, receivership, confiscation, civil recovery, commercial fraud and money laundering. He advises on all aspects of proceeds of crime, asset forfeiture and in particular in cases where there is a cross over with insolvency proceedings. Barry’s practice also encompasses the complementary areas of commercial litigation, civil fraud and insolvency. He advises corporations, trusts, banks, IPs and private individuals on these specialist areas of law. He is also regularly instructed on behalf of court appointed management and enforcement receivers in high value receiverships and has been involved in most of the leading reported receivership cases. Barry has been instructed by the main prosecution agencies for many years including the SFO and FCA. Barry acted for the SFO in obtaining the SFO’s first property freezing order (in 2014) in the civil recovery case of SFO v Saleh (2018) https://www.sfo.gov.uk/2018/03/22/sfo-recovers-4-4m-from-corrupt-diplomats-in-chad-oil-share-deal/ and the SFO’s first account forfeiture order in 2019. He receives regular instructions by defendants in complex civil recovery cases. Barry has been recommended in the POCA and Asset Forfeiture Sections of the Legal 500 and Chambers UK since first publications. Appointed to the Serious Fraud Office POCA Panel of Counsel - Panel A. A member of the Proceeds of Crime Lawyers' Association, the Fraud Lawyers' Association, the London Common Law & Commercial Bar Association and R3.

Christopher Sykes

Christopher specialises in financial crime, confiscation, and professional discipline. Christopher acts for authorities and individuals in civil and criminal matters concerning the proceeds of crime. He has particular expertise in matters concerning the freezing, detention and forfeiture of cash, cryptoassets and bank accounts. He advises financial institutions, individuals, and victims whose interests have been harmed by financial wrongdoing. He regularly advises and appears for enforcement authorities in complex operations involving civil recovery, organised crime, and terrorism. He also acts for individuals and companies whose interests are at stake in proceedings concerning the alleged proceeds of crime. Christopher represents both prosecution and defence in criminal proceedings arising from fraud and financial crime. He has acted as junior counsel and disclosure counsel in complex FCA prosecutions. He has an ongoing role acting for the defence on behalf of a corporation in connection with the Grenfell Inquiry. Christopher is well-placed to advise in cases at the intersection of the criminal and regulatory jurisdictions. He has worked with senior members of Chambers on internal investigations into misconduct within corporations, and regularly appears for the Council for Licensed Conveyancers in proceedings concerning breach of money laundering regulations. Christopher’s clients benefit from his knowledge of financial regulation gained from secondments with the Bank of England and HMRC. Christopher also has extensive experience advising and appearing for healthcare regulators and registrants in disciplinary proceedings before tribunals and the High Court. He has advised in complex cases involving expert evidence, whistle-blowers, and sexual misconduct. Christopher is Panel C counsel for the Serious Fraud Office, including for Proceeds of Crime. He is a Level 2 prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service in Fraud and Proceeds of Crime.

Kennedy Talbot KC

Kennedy Talbot KC’s practice areas are Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 civil recovery, bank account and crypto asset freezing and forfeiture, money laundering advisory and reporting, criminal confiscation, restraint and enforcement, government and police investigations and civil fraud, tracing and proprietary claims. He regularly advises businesses, financial institutions and solicitors on money laundering obligations, particularly in M&A, overseas cannabis and supply chains. He has appeared in 10 cases in the Supreme Court or House of Lords since 2000. He is a joint author of Confiscation and the Proceeds of Crime (Sweet and Maxwell 3rd Ed. looseleaf), Administrative Court: Practice and Procedure (Sweet and Maxwell) and a contributing editor of The White Book 2025. He is the chairman of the Proceeds of Crime Lawyers’ Association and has regularly lectured at home and abroad for (amongst others) the United Nations, IMF, and the Council of Europe. POCA & Asset Recovery Civil. Currently instructed in multiple PoCA/Criminal Finances Act 2017 High Court civil recovery, bank account and crypto asset freezing or forfeiture applications. Examples include - Acting for office holders appointed in 2025 in High Court £5bn crypto civil recovery claim. - R (Mileage Reclaim Limited) v HMRC [2024] EWHC 1531 (Admin). Acting for company in bank account freezing order judicial review. Now £8m compensation claim. - DPP v Binance. Acting for Cayman Islands DPP in crypto civil recovery claim. Judgment awaited. CPS v Baroness Mone and another – Currently acting for the CPS in £65m asset freezing proceedings arising out of a Covid PPE fraud investigation. Currently acting for private prosecutors in a number of PoCA related cases - Hackney v Tia Kansara – Fraud by breach of trust restraint proceedings - Taktouk [2025] EWCA Crim 71 - £4.5m confiscation order in private prosecution. Currently awaiting judgment on the correct approach to prosecution costs from Central Funds. - Hassenfeld v Tierney, Khera and others – restraint and contempt of court proceedings Kennedy is an editor of the White Book and the author of its civil recovery and unexplained wealth order section (White Book, V2, section 3-K). He advised the UN on the development of its Model Civil Forfeiture Law. He has been recommended in the POCA sections of Legal 500 (“Proceeds of Crime and Asset Forfeiture”) and Chambers UK (“POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture”) every year that the sections have been published. Money Laundering - Litigation and Advisory. R (World Uyghur Congress) v NCA (Spotlight on Corruption intervening) [2024] 1 WLR 4532 (Court of Appeal). Acted for Spotlight in guideline case on laundering in supply chains. Advising 2 different NGOs on liability of financial institutions and supply chain intermediaries for dealing with the proceeds of unlawful Amazonian deforestation. Advising UK profession regulator on money laundering responsibilities arising out of the Uyghur judgment Advising UK solicitors on accepting client fees in the light of the Uyghur judgment Numerous advices to solicitors on various commercial money laundering issues (eg acquisition of an estate agency business with historic regulatory non-compliance; contracting with a Iranian university which operated in breach of sanctions; whether an asset fund manager is caught by the money laundering directives and/or regulations; whether payment under a contractual obligation would comprise laundering the proceeds of tax evasion; unblocking the bank accounts of a multi-national telecoms company; whether an international art dealership is caught by the money laundering directives and regulations; and advising Jersey bank on transactions a sovereign wealth fund suspected of corruption) Fraud & Asset Recovery Leading in the Commercial Court for the SFO in the Orb/ Gerald Smith £80m proceedings involving 27 parties, BVI and Jersey liquidators and High Court receivers to recover the proceeds of breach of trust and fraudulently obtained property (see most recent judgments in contempt proceedings: Re Smith [2024] EWHC 3154 (Comm), [2024] EWHC 3161 (Comm)) Nelson v Attorney General of Trinidad and Tobago (Trinidad High Court and Court of Appeal). Currently defending the T&T AG in £12m breach of contract claim brought by corruption whistleblower Acted in civil action against betting company for recovery of gambled fraud proceeds (Dhir v Flutter Entertainment [2021] EWHC EWHC 151 (QB)). Previously acted for stockbrokers in Bilta v Deutsche Bank and SVS (Commercial Court breach of trust proceedings). Recovery by the Egyptian government of Mubarak looted funds.

Steven Walker KC

Steven is a King’s Counsel and a specialist in international disputes. He is a leading Silk in international arbitration with formidable expertise in energy, oil & gas, mining, corporate and commercial, financial, construction, engineering and infrastructure disputes. He has acted as Counsel in more than 200 institutional and ad hoc arbitrations globally, with a particular experience and expertise across South-East Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa and the Arabian Gulf in arbitrations conducted under a wide variety of procedural laws and rules including ICC, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC, DIAC and UNCITRAL. Steven is a DIFC Courts’ Registered Practitioner and is qualified to appear before the DIFC Courts. He also acts as Counsel in investment treaty arbitrations and was involved in the first ICSID investment treaty arbitration under the Energy Charter Treaty – AES v Republic of Hungary. Steven regularly acts for corporate clients, hedge funds, private equity groups, high net worth private clients and family offices in a wide variety of commercial and corporate advisory matters (especially in relation to structuring investments to take advantage of bilateral and multilateral investment treaties) and commercial disputes (concerning for example, investment agreements, joint venture agreements, shareholders’ agreements, loan facility agreements, licensing and distribution agreements). He started his career in Scotland before moving to London and joining the arbitration group of Allen & Overy LLP. Steven practiced in Cayman Islands where he called to the Cayman Islands Bar in 2007. He became a registered Foreign Lawyer in Singapore in 2015, Ireland in 2016 and Western Australia in 2017. Steven also sits as an arbitrator and accepts appointments in institutional and ad hoc arbitrations and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He has been appointed to the leading arbitrator panels of the ICC, LCIA, SIAC, HKIAC, SCCR, DIAC, BAIAC, TAI, AIAC and THAC. Steven has taught international arbitration, at post graduate level, at some of the World’s leading Universities including, the University of Edinburgh, Centre for Energy, Petroleum, Mineral Law and Policy, (CEPMLP) University of Dundee and the Energy Studies Institute of the National University of Singapore. Steven is also a member of Themis Advocates in Scotland. Commercial Representative Cases Acted for Claimant, a leading global financial and analytics company, in a dispute with a value of US$490 million. Dispute involves a breach of data contribution, distribution and licensing agreement. Acted for Claimant in Switzerland on a complex multi-jurisdictional €70 million corporate loan dispute. Acted for Claimant, an international private equity group, concerning an investment in Asia Pacific and a dispute under a shareholders’ agreement. The dispute value amounts to US$70 million. Acted for a major cryptocurrency exchange in a claim by a customer following a hack of the exchange, resulting in the theft of some 20,000 BTC. Acted for Claimant on a private equity dispute in Asia Pacific. The dispute value amounts to US$50 million. Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure Representative Cases Acted for Claimant in a US$112 million dam reservoir construction dispute in Africa. Acted for the Claimant in a US$50 million water conveyance aquifer construction dispute in the Middle East. Acted for Claimant on large construction project in the Gulf. The dispute value amounts to US$100 million. Acted for Claimant in a multi-million construction dispute concerning asbestos removal from a multi storey building in the UK. Claim was for variations and extensions of time. Acted for Claimant on US$275 million oil and gas construction dispute in Asia Pacific. Acted for Claimant on US$100 million construction dispute in Africa. Mining Representative Cases Acted for Claimant in an investment arbitration to advise on the expropriation of gold mining assets in an Asia Pacific country. Dispute value of US$1 billion. Acted for Claimant on a concession dispute in Asia Pacific. The dispute value amounts to US$50 million. Oil & Gas Representative Cases Acted for Claimant in US$100m European gas shareholders’ agreement dispute. Acted for Claimant regarding an oil rig construction dispute in Asia Pacific. The dispute value amounts to US$57 million. Acted for Respondent in a power purchase agreement dispute in Asia Pacific. The dispute value amounts to US$75 million. Acted for Claimant, an international oil company, concerning a production sharing cost recovery dispute with a national oil company in Asia Pacific. The dispute value amounts to US$500 million. Acted for Claimant, an oil company, in a large African gas dispute concerning a JOA. The sum in dispute is US$800m. Renewable Energy (onshore and offshore) Representative Cases Acted for Claimant, an offshore wind installation contractor, in a European offshore windfarm dispute. The sum in dispute is €25m. Academic Appointments University of Edinburgh – Co-course director of the LLM in International Arbitration with Lord Dervaird QC from 2009-2011. The course was nominated for the EUSA teaching excellence award. Steven was appointed an Honorary Fellow of the University of Edinburgh in 2009. • Centre for Energy, Petroleum, Mineral Law & Policy, University of Dundee – Honorary Lecturer of the Centre from 2002 and member of the global academic faculty to date. Energy Studies Institute, National University of Singapore – Seminar Director & Lecturer on the Professional Seminar Training Programme of the Institute in 2014. University of Notre Dame, Australia – Visiting lecturer on international commercial arbitration in 2017. Memberships Members of the Middle Temple Member of the Faculty of Advocates Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Education LLB(Hons) University of Aberdeen |1996 Dip LP University of Aberdeen |1997 Honorary Fellow University of Edinburgh | 2009 ACIArb | 2000 MCIArb | 2018 FCIArb | 2019 Publications Steven is co-author of the leading international book ‘Pleading in Arbitration – A Practitioner’s Guide’ published by Sweet & Maxwell/Thomson Reuters 2012. A second edition of ‘Pleading in Arbitration – A Practitioner’s Guide’ was released in 2017. The leading German International lawyer and arbitrator, Professor Peter Klaus Berger of the University of Cologne, described the first edition of this book as “an essential addition to every arbitration practitioner’s library”, in the Journal of Transnational Dispute Management. Contributing Author to the chapter on “Arbitration in the Energy & Mining Industry” in the international publication Lexis Nexis Arbitrator’s Handbook published in 2022.

Alistair Webster KC

Alistair Webster KC combines considerable intellectual and advocacy talent with over 30 years’ experience as a leader in his fields of practice. This combination offers clients assurance that their case will be dealt with efficiently and effectively, with an eye kept constantly on achieving the best outcome. His breadth of experience means that he has dealt with aspects of fraud not only in the criminal courts, but also in the High Court, the Administrative Court, and the tax tribunals. In addition to his expertise in proceeds of crime and restraint, he offers a rare combination of services across the board and the ability to advise on consequences beyond the immediate issues presented. Alistair has spent his time as a leader dealing with high profile and difficult cases across a range of fields of practice. He is renowned for his intellect and analytical and courtroom skills which he deploys on behalf of his clients to considerable effect. Equally at home prosecuting or defending, or representing Claimants or Respondents, Alistair currently accepts instructions in the following areas: FRAUD, BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION, MONEY LAUNDERING TAX TRIBUNALS (VAT AND DUTY) CIVIL FRAUD CONFISCATION AND RESTRAINT ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME SERIOUS CRIME PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE HEALTH AND SAFETY PRIVATE PROSECUTIONS Alistair is on the SFO’s lists both for prosecutions and asset recovery. His current caseload includes: Acting in multi-million pound money-laundering conspiracy for lead defendant in a case alleging currency smuggling on a vast scale; Defending a solicitor charged in relation to an investment trust fraud; Defending a businessman charged with VAT offences; Representing appellants in share valuation appeal; Representing a PhD postgraduate charged with terrorism offences; Representing a UN ambassador charged with fraud.