United Kingdom: White Collar Crime, Anti-Corruption & Fraud

British American Tobacco's $1.1 billion settlement with US authorities over North Korean sanctions violations appeared to close one chapter, but opened another as the company now faces multibillion-pound shareholder litigation in London and terrorism-related civil claims. This case illustrates how multinational corporations must carefully navigate the collateral consequences of government enforcement resolutions, as admissions made to one jurisdiction can fuel derivative litigation across multiple forums an

A vulnerable client facing historic allegations of child cruelty, neglect, and physical abuse received specialist legal representation at a voluntary police interview.

In a statement, the FCA explains that it is concerned about a number of risks it has identified among unregulated lenders, safe custody providers, money brokers and financial leasing companies...

BCL Solicitors' partners have earned recognition as leading lawyers in criminal investigations, while the firm's experts analyze high-profile cases and systemic reforms shaping the UK criminal justice system.

The UK government has introduced significant changes to its sanctions framework, including new powers to target criminal networks, expanded enforcement capabilities...

The UK's HMRC has published comprehensive enforcement statistics covering 2025 and early 2026, revealing the scope and outcomes of sanctions enforcement activities including criminal investigations, goods seizures, and penalty assessments. The data provides insight into how authorities are handling sanctions violations through various enforcement mechanisms, from warning letters to compound penalties exceeding £1 million.

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 significantly expands the circumstances in which a company can be held criminally liable for the actions of its senior managers.

The UK's HM Revenue and Customs has imposed a substantial compound penalty on Petrofac Facilities Management Limited for breaching Russia sanctions, marking a significant shift in enforcement policy. This case reveals new guidance on when HMRC will pursue compound penalties versus prosecution, and signals a major change in the agency's approach to publicly naming violators. The announcement provides crucial insights into the factors HMRC considers when determining appropriate enforcement actions for strateg

The UK Crime and Policing Act 2026 introduces automatic corporate criminal liability through section 250, eliminating traditional defences when senior managers commit offences. Through three detailed case studies spanning technology, manufacturing, and international finance, this analysis demonstrates how organisations across sectors now face unprecedented exposure for conduct ranging from computer misuse to cartel behaviour, regardless of their compliance frameworks or geographic location.