Money Laundering Solicitors
At Draycott Browne, our specialist Money Laundering Solicitors provide expert legal defence in some of the UK’s most serious and high-stakes financial crime investigations.
Allegations of money laundering are often triggered by a parallel investigation into suspected fraud and corruption. These cases are rarely straightforward. They may involve multiple agencies, financial records spanning several jurisdictions and a significant amount of documentary evidence. Early intervention from an experienced Money Laundering Defence Lawyer is essential. A properly structured defence at the outset can prevent avoidable mistakes and protect your position as the case progresses.
Our Money Laundering Solicitors provide immediate guidance from the moment you become aware of an investigation. We assist in managing contact with the authorities, advise on responding to requests for information and represent clients during interviews under caution. From the outset, we focus on controlling the flow of the investigation and ensuring that your legal position is protected at every stage.
Draycott Browne is one of the UK’s leading criminal defence firms, with over 25 years of experience in representing clients accused of serious financial crime. We are regularly instructed in high value and complex money laundering cases prosecuted under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and related legislation.
The department is overseen by Shaun Draycott, Managing Director of the firm and a highly regarded business crime solicitor. Shaun brings decades of experience in serious criminal defence and has acted in some of the most significant and sensitive financial crime investigations in recent years. His leadership ensures that every case benefits from clear direction, strategic focus and absolute discretion.
When the stakes are high, you need a legal team you can trust. Contact our experienced Money Laundering Solicitors today for expert advice and representation that prioritises your best outcome.
How Can our Money Laundering Solicitors Help?
At Draycott Browne, our experienced Money Laundering Solicitors provide clear, strategic legal support throughout every stage of your case. From initial investigation through to trial or appeal, we focus on protecting your legal position, safeguarding your assets and achieving the most favourable outcome possible, including:
- Challenging restraint orders imposed under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA)
- Defending against confiscation proceedings and civil recovery claims
- Representing clients during interviews under caution and throughout criminal trials
- Preparing a robust defence strategy tailored to the nature and complexity of the allegations
Our Money Laundering Defence Lawyers take a proactive approach from the outset. We work closely with forensic accountants, compliance professionals and other experts to ensure that no aspect of your case is overlooked. If an appeal is being considered following conviction or sentence, we provide expert guidance on legal grounds, procedure and prospects of success.
We work extensively with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and will work with you to ensure that your company complies with HMRC’s Money Laundering Regulations, which were updated in 2017. These include:
- Identifying vulnerabilities that may expose your organisation to criminal misuse
- Conducting customer due diligence and verifying beneficial ownership
- Reporting suspicious activity to the National Crime Agency (NCA)
- Staff training and awareness in anti-money laundering compliance
- Reviewing and strengthening internal reporting and risk management frameworks
By adhering to these and other regulations, on which we can advise in more depth, you will be protected from any further penalties and prosecutions and we will work closely with you to ensure you understand your responsibilities to protect your business from future allegations.
Expertise in providing defence for all kinds of money laundering charges & business crime offences.
Our Expert Money Laundering Defence Lawyers
What Happens if You Are Accused of Money Laundering?
An allegation of money laundering will place you under immediate legal and financial scrutiny. These investigations often begin without warning and may involve a number of enforcement agencies, including the police, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), or the National Crime Agency (NCA).
At this early stage, the authorities are primarily concerned with preserving evidence and preventing the dissipation of assets. It is not uncommon for restraint orders to be imposed, restricting access to bank accounts, business funds or personal property. These orders can have serious practical consequences and should be challenged with urgency.
You may be asked to attend an interview under caution or be notified that your financial activity is under formal investigation. The way you respond at this stage can have long-term implications. It is essential to have specialist legal representation in place to ensure that your position is properly protected and that no procedural errors are made.
Should the matter proceed to prosecution, a conviction for money laundering carries a custodial sentence of up to 14 years, together with the risk of substantial fines and confiscation of assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Allegations of this nature also have the potential to cause lasting reputational harm, particularly for professionals, business owners and individuals in regulated sectors.
At Draycott Browne, our Money Laundering Solicitors have extensive experience in responding to allegations at every stage. We act quickly to establish the scope of the investigation, advise on immediate legal risks and begin preparing a strategic defence. Where necessary, we take action to challenge restraint orders, preserve access to essential funds and ensure that any engagement with the authorities is managed carefully and in your best interests.
Early legal intervention is key. If you have been accused of money laundering, or believe you are likely to be, contact our specialist defence lawyers without delay.
What Happens if You Fail to Report Money Laundering Activity?
While many investigations focus on those suspected of laundering criminal property, individuals working in regulated sectors may also face prosecution under POCA for related offences. These include failing to disclose information that may assist an investigation, or tipping off a third party about ongoing enquiries.
These are technical offences that carry serious consequences, particularly for professionals whose work involves access to financial or transactional information. They are often prosecuted on the basis of how a person responded to suspicious activity within the course of their role, rather than direct involvement in criminal conduct.
Failure to Disclose
Under sections 330 to 332 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, it is a criminal offence to fail to disclose information relating to suspected money laundering where:
- The information was obtained during the course of business in the regulated sector
- The individual knows, suspects, or has reasonable grounds to suspect that another person is engaged in money laundering
- The information could assist in identifying that person or the whereabouts of the criminal property
- No disclosure is made to a nominated officer or to the National Crime Agency (NCA) as soon as is practicable
The inclusion of “reasonable grounds to suspect” reflects the elevated standard expected of professionals in regulated industries. This includes solicitors, accountants, estate agents, financial advisers and others who routinely deal with client funds or financial transactions.
A failure to disclose can lead to up to five years’ imprisonment. A common defence is that the information was received in legally privileged circumstances. Our team is able to advise on the scope and application of legal professional privilege where this may be relevant.
Tipping Off
Section 333A of POCA makes it an offence to disclose information likely to prejudice a money laundering investigation, where that information was obtained in the course of business in the regulated sector.
A tipping off offence may occur where an individual informs a client, colleague or third party that a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) has been filed, or where the existence of an investigation is otherwise revealed in a way that could compromise its effectiveness.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment, and is frequently misunderstood. In many cases, professionals act out of a desire to be transparent or protect business relationships, without realising the implications of disclosure.
At Draycott Browne, our Money Laundering Solicitors have experience in advising and representing professionals who face allegations of this nature. These cases require careful legal analysis and a precise understanding of both the regulatory and criminal framework. We act with discretion and expertise to protect your position, reputation and professional standing.
Case Study
Liverpool's Longest Fraud Trial
26 October 2018
In the longest fraud trial Liverpool's Crown Court has seen, Rob Mann of Draycott Browne conducted the successful representation of former Conservative councillor David Richard Barton. A not guilty verdict was returned after 137 days of trial allowing David to finally put his life back on track.
Specialist Money Laundering Solicitors
- 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 Money Laundering Defence Lawyers today.
What are the Possible Defences for Money Laundering?
Allegations of money laundering are often complex and highly fact-sensitive. A conviction does not depend solely on the movement of funds, but on the prosecution’s ability to prove that the property involved was criminal in origin and that the defendant knew, or at least suspected, that this was the case.
In many situations, individuals or professionals are drawn into investigations through association, routine financial involvement, or errors in judgment, rather than through any deliberate intent to facilitate criminal activity. These cases require a clear, structured defence that is rooted in both the facts of the case and a precise understanding of the law.
Depending on the evidence and the specific allegations, several legal defences may be available:
- There was no knowledge or suspicion that the property was linked to criminal activity
- The funds or assets in question came from a legitimate source
- The prosecution cannot show that any criminal property exists
- The defendant acted under pressure, threat or coercion
- Any involvement arose from a professional or compliance error
- The defendant had no control over the property or transaction
Establishing a credible defence often involves forensic analysis of financial records, careful scrutiny of prosecution evidence, and early engagement with specialist advisors. At Draycott Browne, our Money Laundering Solicitors apply decades of experience to identify the most effective defence strategy and to challenge weak or speculative allegations at every stage.
If you are facing investigation or prosecution for a money laundering offence, it is essential to seek expert legal advice without delay. Early instruction allows us to protect your position from the outset and work proactively towards the best possible outcome.
24 Hour Availability
Investigations into money laundering can begin without warning. Restraint orders, dawn raids and arrest warrants are often executed without prior notice, leaving individuals and business owners facing immediate legal consequences. In these moments, access to experienced legal representation is critical.
At Draycott Browne, our Money Laundering Solicitors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We respond quickly to urgent enquiries and provide legal representation at police stations, courts and during interviews conducted by agencies such as HMRC, the NCA or local economic crime units.
If you have been arrested, contacted by the authorities, or served with a search warrant or restraint order, expert legal support is always just a phone call away.
Legal Aid
Money laundering investigations often lead to lengthy and high-stakes legal proceedings. For many individuals, the cost of defending such allegations can be a serious concern, especially if assets have been frozen under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
At Draycott Browne, our team can advise you on your eligibility for legal aid and guide you through the application process. Legal aid may cover representation during interviews under caution, preparation of your defence, and court proceedings.
Our legal aid solicitors will ensure that your financial position does not prevent you from accessing high-quality legal defence. We are committed to helping you secure the support you need at every stage of your case.
Private Funding
At Draycott Browne, we continue to support clients who are eligible for Legal Aid, and we understand the importance of publicly funded representation. However, it is important to recognise that Legal Aid funding places strict limitations on the level of support we are able to provide.
By choosing to privately fund your legal defence, you ensure access to the highest standard of advice and representation from our private criminal defence solicitors. In money laundering cases, where the evidence is often extensive, technical and financially complex, private funding allows us to dedicate additional time and resources to your case.
This enables us to work more creatively and strategically, drawing on the full expertise of our team to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, consult with forensic accountants, and build a detailed defence tailored to your circumstances.
If you are facing a money laundering investigation or prosecution, we strongly advise considering private funding. It offers the most comprehensive level of service and gives you the best opportunity to achieve a successful outcome.
Your Money Laundering Questions Answered
Money laundering is the process of disguising the origin of money or assets obtained through criminal conduct, so that they appear to have come from a legitimate source. It typically involves a series of financial transactions designed to conceal the connection between the funds and their criminal origin.
Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, money laundering is a criminal offence in the UK and can result in serious consequences, including imprisonment, asset confiscation and long-term reputational damage. If you are under investigation or require advice on compliance procedures, it is essential to speak with experienced Money Laundering Solicitors at the earliest opportunity.
Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), money laundering includes any activity intended to conceal, disguise or legitimise the proceeds of criminal conduct. A person may be guilty of a money laundering offence even if they did not commit the original crime that generated the funds. Common examples of money laundering include:
- Possessing or handling assets derived from unlawful activity
- Spending, transferring or investing criminal property
- Concealing or disguising the origin, ownership or location of funds
- Assisting others in acquiring, using or controlling criminal property
For property or funds to be treated as criminal, it must be shown that they were obtained through illegal means. If you are suspected of any of these activities, early legal advice is essential. Our specialist Money Laundering Solicitors can assess the allegations and begin building a defence strategy tailored to your circumstances.
The UK has a comprehensive legal framework to detect, prevent and prosecute money laundering, with key legislation applying to both individuals and regulated businesses.
- The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) defines money laundering offences and gives authorities the power to seize, restrain or confiscate criminal property.
- The Money Laundering Regulations 2017 set out compliance duties for businesses, including customer due diligence, internal reporting and staff training.
- The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 enhances law enforcement powers to disrupt organised financial crime, including laundering networks.
These laws place significant responsibilities on professionals and organisations to identify and report suspicious activity. Our experienced Money Laundering Solicitors provide advice on compliance, defence and enforcement across all aspects of this legislation.
Several agencies and enforcement bodies are responsible for investigating money laundering in the UK, depending on the nature and scale of the offence.
- The National Crime Agency investigates serious and organised money laundering, particularly cases with an international or multi-agency element.
- HM Revenue and Customs targets money laundering linked to tax evasion, business compliance failures and breaches of the Money Laundering Regulations.
- The Financial Conduct Authority regulates financial institutions and investigates failures in anti-money laundering systems and controls.
- Local and regional police forces investigate lower-value or regional money laundering offences involving individuals or small businesses.
- The Serious Fraud Office may lead where money laundering is linked to large-scale corporate fraud, bribery or corruption cases.
Each of these authorities has powers to search premises, freeze assets, obtain financial records and interview individuals under caution. If you are under investigation, contact our specialist Money Laundering Solicitors as soon as possible for expert legal support.
A Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) is a formal disclosure made to the National Crime Agency (NCA) by an individual or organisation that suspects financial activity may be linked to criminal conduct, including money laundering.
SARs are a key part of the UK’s anti-money laundering framework and are required under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the Money Laundering Regulations 2017. They are most commonly filed by professionals in regulated sectors, such as solicitors, accountants, financial institutions and estate agents.
Submitting a SAR allows the authorities to assess whether the transaction or behaviour in question should be investigated further. Once a SAR is submitted:
- The NCA may issue a notice period to delay the transaction
- You may be prohibited from proceeding without consent
- Disclosing that a SAR has been submitted could lead to a tipping off offence
If you are the subject of a SAR, or have been contacted as part of an enquiry triggered by one, it is important to seek legal advice immediately. Our Money Laundering Solicitors can guide you through the process, protect your rights and advise on compliance with your reporting obligations.
A restraint order is a court order made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, used to freeze a person’s assets during the course of a criminal investigation. These orders are typically issued at the request of the prosecuting authority, often without prior notice, and can take effect before any formal charges have been brought.
The purpose of a restraint order is to preserve assets that may later be subject to confiscation if a conviction is secured. They can apply to:
- Bank accounts
- Property and real estate
- Vehicles, business assets and investments
- Any asset believed to be connected to the alleged offence
Restraint orders are often broad in scope and may have serious practical consequences, including restrictions on day-to-day spending. Breaching a restraint order is a criminal offence in itself and can result in further penalties.
If you have been served with a restraint order, it is essential to act quickly. Our experienced Money Laundering Solicitors can apply to vary or discharge the order, challenge its legal basis and ensure that your financial position is protected.
Money laundering is treated as a serious criminal offence in the UK, with sentencing powers designed to reflect both the scale of the activity and the defendant’s role. Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), the penalties can be severe and life-altering.
Where an individual is convicted of a substantive money laundering offence under sections 327, 328 or 329 of POCA, the penalties may include:
- Imprisonment of up to 14 years for the most serious cases
- Unlimited fines, depending on the value of the alleged criminal property
- Confiscation of assets, including property, bank accounts, vehicles and investments
- Restraint orders, which freeze access to assets during an investigation
- Legal costs orders, which may require the defendant to pay prosecution expenses
- Disqualification from acting as a company director or from regulated roles
In addition to criminal penalties, businesses that breach the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 may face:
- Civil financial penalties imposed by supervisory authorities such as HMRC or the FCA
- Regulatory sanctions, including licence suspensions and enforcement action
- Reputational damage, which can result in the loss of clients, contracts or authorisations
The impact of a money laundering investigation can be significant even before charges are brought. Early legal advice can be critical in managing the risk of restraint orders, reputational fallout and prosecution.
Our experienced Money Laundering Solicitors provide expert advice on both criminal liability and regulatory compliance, ensuring your interests are protected from the outset.
Related Areas
Contact our Money Laundering Defence Lawyers
If you are facing an investigation or prosecution for money laundering, early access to expert legal representation is critical. These cases often involve financial restraints, reputational damage and the risk of serious custodial sentences. The sooner you act, the more options you will have to protect your position and prepare a strategic defence.
Draycott Browne is a leading Criminal Law Firm, renowned for its expertise in defending clients against serious allegations, including money laundering. Our specialist Criminal Lawyers and Money Laundering Solicitors combine extensive experience with a client-focused approach to deliver expert advice and representation tailored to your needs.
As trusted Business Crime Solicitors, we understand the complexities of financial crime and the significant impact these allegations can have on individuals and businesses alike. Our team works tirelessly to protect your rights, safeguard your reputation, and achieve the best possible outcome.
When facing allegations of money laundering, having the right legal team on your side is essential. Contact Draycott Browne today for expert guidance and robust representation. Let us help you move forward with confidence.