Bribery and Corruption Solicitors
We are experienced Bribery And Corruption Solicitors.
We offer support and advice in cases involving anyone accused and facing bribery investigations or investigation following allegations of corruption.
If you have been accused of bribery or corruption, or are facing investigation by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), it is essential that you seek advice from experienced Bribery And Corruption Solicitors as early as possible. If found guilty of bribery offences, the punishment for the business or the individual owners can be very severe - and include unlimited fines or imprisonment.
At Draycott Browne Solicitors, we have a nationally recognised team of Bribery And Corruption Solicitors with a strong track record surrounding 'white collar crime'. We have represented a whole range of corporate clients in high value fraud cases since 1998, and we have the knowledge required to get the best possible solution for you.
Contact us today by calling or filling out an enquiry form and our specialist fraud solicitors will be in touch at a time that is suited to you.
How we can help
With over 20 years’ experience helping companies and individuals accused of bribery or corruption offences, our team of Bribery Lawyers are in the best-possible position to assist you.
We will help you deal with all aspects of the process, including:
- Responding to dawn raids
- Helping you prepare for police interviews
- Negotiating with prosecutors
- Preparing you for trial
- Representing you in court
- Managing the appeals process
- Advising witnesses and other connected parties
Our team has provided legal advice in even the most complex bribery and corruption cases. We know exactly what to expect and will act proactively to defend you throughout. Although the process will be stressful for you, our work will help to limit this and ensure you can live as normal a life as possible throughout proceedings.
If you’re looking for Bribery and Corruption Solicitors with decades of expertise who will fight your corner throughout, get in touch with our team today.
Dedicated expertise for defending all fraud offences.
Our Specialist Bribery & Corruption Solicitors
What is bribery and corruption
Bribery refers to a specific offence that involves the practice of offering something - usually money - in order to gain an illicit advantage. Corruption is the abuse of a position of trust in order to gain an advantage. Corruption includes any illegitimate use of office, and often includes a range of different types of crime. Bribery is limited to the giving or acceptance of payment of other illegitimate advantages.
The landscape of the UK’s anti-bribery and corruption law changed dramatically in 2011 when the Bribery Act 2010 came into force. At Draycott Browne, we understand that any investigations launched in recent years can be deep rooted, with much of the conduct in question pre-dating the Bribery Act, requiring in depth knowledge of the Bribery Act regime. We have a wealth of experience advising in investigations and prosecutions relating to bribery and corruption, dating both pre and post the introduction of the Bribery Act.
We can help businesses and corporate bodies that are:
- Looking for advice on whether they have “adequate procedures” in place to prevent bribery and corruption by employees or others associated with them.
- Of the belief that their employees or people associated with them may have been involved in bribery and corruption, and wish to carry out internal investigations.
- Of the belief that individuals associated with them have been involved in bribery and corruption, who wish to consider self reporting to the Serious Fraud Office with the aim of negotiating a Deferred Prosecution Agreement.
We can also offer assistance to individuals who are:
- Subject to internal disciplinary investigations by their employer and who are concerned about potential crime consequences.
- In receipt of notices under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 to deliver documentation to the Serious Fraud Office, or to attend for interview under compulsion.
- Approached to act as a prosecution witness in large-scale Bribery and Corruption proceedings.
- Accused of political corruption
Political corruption involves the use of powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. If an officeholder takes part in an illegal act, the activity is classed as political corruption if their action is directly related to their official duties or involves trading in influence.
Our highly qualified Bribery And Corruption Solicitors have helped numerous clients who have been accused of political corruption. If you are under investigation, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.
When should you seek legal advice?
You should contact Draycott Browne immediately if you:
- Have been informed that you are under bribery and corruption investigation
- Have been asked to speak to the authorities
- Are facing a criminal prosecution
- Have been charged with fraud
By seeking legal advice from the very start, your case is much more likely to be successful. We recommend speaking to a legal advisor from the moment you are told you are under investigation. However, at Draycott Browne, we will provide advice and representation at any point during your case.
Frequently Asked Questions for Bribery & Corruption
The offence of failure to prevent bribery applies to commercial organisations that do not have adequate procedures in place to stop bribery being committed on their behalf. A company can be prosecuted even if senior management had no direct knowledge of the wrongdoing.
Under the Bribery Act 2010, a business may be held criminally liable if a person associated with it such as an employee, agent, contractor or intermediary pays a bribe in order to obtain or retain business or secure a commercial advantage.
The only statutory defence available is for the organisation to prove that it had adequate procedures in place to prevent bribery. This means proportionate policies, effective compliance systems, proper training, risk assessments and active monitoring.
Investigations into failure to prevent bribery often involve detailed scrutiny of corporate governance, internal communications, financial records and overseas operations. These cases are document heavy and reputationally sensitive.
At Draycott Browne, our Bribery Lawyers examine whether the prosecution can establish corporate liability, assess the adequacy of compliance frameworks and build a robust defence strategy designed to protect both the business and its senior leadership. Early strategic advice can significantly influence whether charges are brought.
A Serious Fraud Office investigation into bribery or corruption is a high level criminal inquiry focused on gathering evidence for potential prosecution. These investigations are typically reserved for serious or complex cases involving significant financial value, public interest concerns or international elements.
An SFO investigation may involve:
- Dawn raids at corporate offices or private homes
- Seizure of computers and financial documentation
- Compulsory interviews under Section 2 powers
- Requests for extensive internal records
- Digital forensic analysis of communications
The SFO has wide ranging powers to compel the production of documents and require individuals to attend interviews. In some cases, individuals may be required to answer questions under compulsion, and failure to comply can itself amount to a criminal offence.
Our experienced Corruption Solicitors manage all engagement with investigators, review disclosure material in detail and ensure that legal privilege and procedural safeguards are properly protected. Strategic handling during the investigation phase can determine whether a case proceeds to charge, results in a civil settlement or is resolved without prosecution.
Yes. Directors and senior officers can face personal criminal liability if they are found to have consented to, connived in, or neglected to prevent bribery within the organisation.
While the corporate offence of failure to prevent bribery focuses on the company itself, individuals may also be prosecuted where there is evidence of direct involvement, knowledge of improper payments, or wilful blindness to corrupt practices. This can include authorising suspicious transactions, ignoring compliance warnings, or failing to act on red flags raised internally.
Personal liability may arise even where a director did not physically make a payment. Prosecutors will examine board minutes, internal communications, financial approvals and compliance oversight to determine whether senior management exercised proper control.
The consequences for directors can include imprisonment, unlimited fines, confiscation proceedings and disqualification from acting as a company director.
At Draycott Browne, our Bribery Lawyers assess the evidential basis for individual liability, challenge assumptions of knowledge or intent and build a defence strategy that protects both professional standing and personal liberty. Early legal advice is critical where directors are under scrutiny.
A Deferred Prosecution Agreement, often referred to as a DPA, is a court approved agreement between a prosecuting authority and a corporate body that allows criminal proceedings to be suspended subject to strict conditions.
In corruption cases, a DPA may be offered where a company cooperates fully with investigators, makes admissions, implements compliance reforms and agrees to pay financial penalties. If the organisation complies with the terms of the agreement, prosecution is ultimately discontinued.
DPAs are only available to corporate entities, not individuals. They are typically used in serious bribery and corruption investigations where there is sufficient evidence to prosecute but public interest factors support an alternative resolution.
Entering into a DPA is a highly strategic decision. It requires detailed negotiation with prosecutors, full financial disclosure and a willingness to accept ongoing monitoring and compliance obligations.
Our experienced Corruption Solicitors manage negotiations with the Serious Fraud Office, protect legal privilege during internal investigations and ensure that any agreement reached reflects the best possible outcome for the organisation while limiting reputational damage.
Bribery and corruption offences carry some of the most severe penalties available under UK criminal law. The courts treat these cases as serious economic crimes that undermine public trust and corporate integrity.
For individuals, penalties can include:
- Up to 10 years imprisonment
- Unlimited financial fines
- Confiscation of assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act
- Director disqualification
- Irreparable reputational damage
For corporate bodies, consequences may include unlimited fines, confiscation proceedings, regulatory action, exclusion from public contracts and long term compliance monitoring.
When sentencing, the court will assess factors such as the value of the advantage obtained, the level of planning involved, abuse of a position of trust and the role played by the defendant. Senior figures or those involved in systematic misconduct can expect significantly harsher outcomes.
At Draycott Browne, our Bribery Lawyers challenge the prosecution’s assessment of culpability, scrutinise financial calculations and present detailed mitigation designed to reduce custodial risk and financial penalties wherever possible. Early strategic intervention can materially affect sentencing outcomes.
A Section 2 Notice issued by the Serious Fraud Office is a compulsory legal demand requiring you to produce documents, provide information or attend an interview. It is typically served during a serious bribery or corruption investigation.
Failure to comply with a Section 2 Notice is a criminal offence. However, responding without specialist legal advice can expose you to significant risk, particularly where issues of self incrimination or legal privilege arise.
A Section 2 Notice may require:
- Production of financial and corporate records
- Disclosure of internal communications
- Attendance at a compelled interview
- Provision of detailed written explanations
The scope of these notices can be wide ranging and intrusive. Careful analysis is required to determine what must lawfully be disclosed and whether any material is protected by legal professional privilege.
Our experienced Corruption Solicitors review the validity and scope of the notice, advise on disclosure obligations and represent clients during compelled interviews. Strategic handling at this stage is critical, as the material provided can shape the direction of the entire investigation.
Specialist Bribery Lawyers
- 24/7 Availability
- Proven Success in High Profile Cases
- Non-Judgemental Representation Tailored to Your Situation
Protect your future with trusted, expert legal defence—contact Draycott Browne’s Corruption Solicitors today.
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Contact Draycott Browne's Bribery and Corruption Solicitors
Draycott Browne is highly regarded across the legal profession and recognised as experts across all matters of financial and business law. Our specialist business crime lawyers possess a breadth of knowledge that is unrivalled in the industry and we take great pride in our dedication and professionalism.
We are relentless in the pursuit of achieving the best result possible for all of our clients and will continuously work hard on your behalf with an attention to detail and tenacity that is second to none.
Recognised as one of the country's leading Criminal Defence Law Firms, our team of Criminal Defence Lawyers have practised within the area of business crime for over 25 years and their experience and expertise are guaranteed to give you the best possible chance of a successful case.
Draycott Browne is one of Manchester's top firms of business crime lawyers. We provide specialist criminal defence representation and expert legal advice regularly to clients in Manchester, Liverpool and London. We offer our services to clients throughout the whole of England and Wales.
When facing such serious allegations of bribery and corruption, you cannot afford to settle for anything less than Draycott Browne. Call our Corruption And Bribery team today on our number at the top of this page.