Money laundering targets legitimate businesses. Money laundering is simply the way in which money made from illegal activities is disguised, most often by it being passed through a number of legitimate businesses. Individuals or businesses handling such money can easily fall foul of the legislation and need legal advice as early as possible.
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 means business and individuals may be at greater risk of prosecution for offences arising out of dubious financial activity. Individuals working within the regulated sector such as tax advisers, accountants and legal advisers must now have detailed knowledge of the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and must implement strict operational systems to ensure the comply with the law.
Accused of Money Laundering?
If you or your business is being investigated for money laundering it can have far-reaching consequences – not just on you personally but on your family and friends. A prosecuting authority can bring charges against family and friends if they believe they should have known that income may have been coming from illegitimate means or activities.
Those found to be engaging in money laundering activities face fines and lengthy terms of imprisonment and confiscation proceedings. They risk having their assets restrained even before any finding of guilt.
With facilities in London and Manchester, the fraud defence team at Cunninghams Solicitors are thoroughly experienced when it comes to defending individuals and businesses throughout the country that have been accused of money laundering. The team is contactable on 0800 328 8846 or via an online enquiry and can help you from the outset of a money laundering investigation. In our experience, seeking advice at an early stage of an investigation can dramatically reduce the chances of a prosecution being brought against you.
Cunninghams are regularly asked by clients to take over their case from Solicitors that they have previously instructed. This can happen at any stage of an investigation or prosecution.
There can be many reasons for this. Their existing solicitor may feel that for professional reasons they can no longer continue to represent their client, they may no longer feel that they have the necessary expertise or they may no longer be allowed to represent their client in respect of a particularly serious case because they are not members of the VHCC panel. In some cases, a client’s relationship with their solicitor has simply broken down, or they have lost complete confidence in their solicitor’s ability to represent them properly. Some clients feel that transferring representation will be an awkward, embarrassing or difficult process, and for cases which are publicly funded there are strict criteria which must be present before a case is transferred to another solicitor.
Nationwide Money Laundering Solicitors
At Cunninghams we are used to dealing with such enquiries and can reassure clients that any transfer of their case will be smooth, free of embarrassment and always in their best interests.
Operating nationwide from our bases in the City of London and central Manchester Cunninghams are leaders in defending those accused of serious fraud and complex crime and are consistently ranked as a leading practice in these fields in all guides to the UK legal profession. Specialising in this work for over 30 years has resulted in an enviable network of experts, forensic accountants, QC’s and senior barristers to draw upon as we tailor our clients bespoke defence team
All our serious casework is led by a director with who you will have direct contact. If you are being investigated or have been charged with money laundering it is important not to delay. Contact us and you will receive immediate expert advice from an experienced fraud defence lawyer.
Our initial advice is always free of charge, Contact Us on 0800 32 888 46 or make an on-line enquiry.