Areas of Expertise
Fraud & Financial Crime
Immediate, strategic representation in complex investigations. A dawn raid, a disclosure notice, or a frozen account can arise without warning — what is said and not said in the early stages shapes the entire case.
Why timing decides outcome
The case is built before charge — so is the defence
Financial crime cases are document-heavy and technically complex. The prosecution case is typically built on large volumes of financial data, communications and analysis presented as a coherent narrative.
Our role is to examine that material in detail, identify where the prosecution relies on untested assumptions, and intervene before those assumptions become fixed. This requires early engagement, strategic analysis, and a clear understanding of how financial investigations are constructed.
We act at every stage, from initial investigation and interviews under caution through to Crown Court trial and appeal.
Our services
Our Fraud & Financial Crime Services
We act for individuals and businesses across England and Wales facing the full range of fraud and financial crime allegations.
- Fraud Act 2006 — false representation, failing to disclose, abuse of position
- Bribery and corruption under the Bribery Act 2010
- NCA, HMRC and FCA investigations and prosecutions
- Restraint and asset freezing orders — challenge, variation and discharge
- Internal investigations and strategic engagement with prosecutors
- Money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
- SFO investigations, including Deferred Prosecution Agreement negotiations
- Dawn raids, search warrants and interviews under caution
- Multi-defendant conspiracy cases including investment and carousel fraud
- Confiscation proceedings and appeals against conviction and sentence
Why Chess Law
Why Chess Law Solicitors for Fraud Defence
The case is most vulnerable before it has fully formed
Solicitor and barrister within a single strategy
Experience across enforcement agencies
Parallel proceedings managed together
Companies and individuals
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I receive a dawn raid?
Remain calm and do not obstruct the officers. You are entitled to see the warrant before the search begins. Contact us immediately and do not answer questions until we are present. We attend dawn raids across England and Wales at short notice.
What is the difference between fraud and theft?
Theft involves taking property belonging to another. Fraud involves dishonestly making a false representation, failing to disclose information, or abusing a position of trust to make a gain or cause a loss.
What is a restraint order?
A restraint order freezes assets during an investigation or prosecution to prevent them being dissipated. It can be made quickly and without notice. Such orders can be challenged, varied or discharged where appropriate.
What is money laundering?
Money laundering covers dealing with the proceeds of criminal conduct, including concealing, arranging or acquiring such proceeds. Cases often involve transactions that appear legitimate but are said to be linked to unlawful activity.
What happens in an SFO investigation?
SFO investigations are typically lengthy and document-intensive, often involving compulsory powers requiring production of documents and attendance for interview. Legal advice at the outset is essential.
What is a confiscation order?
A confiscation order is made after conviction and requires payment of the assessed benefit from offending. The figures relied upon by the prosecution can be challenged with careful preparation.
Can a company be charged with fraud?
Yes. A company can be prosecuted where the conduct of senior individuals is attributed to it. These cases often run alongside proceedings against directors or employees.
What is a Deferred Prosecution Agreement?
A DPA allows a company to avoid prosecution by meeting certain conditions, such as financial penalties and cooperation. Decisions on whether to enter into such agreements require careful legal advice.
Speak to us now.
If you are facing a fraud or financial crime investigation, the time to act is now. Early advice can significantly affect the outcome.
