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

The UK's fraud enforcement landscape is undergoing significant transformation as Jonathan Fisher KC's Independent Review proposes sweeping changes including new corporate criminal offences for digital platforms, anti-fraud levies, and whistleblower incentivisation schemes. Meanwhile, the SFO navigates increased operational intensity alongside the costly settlement of the ENRC litigation, while the FCA expands its Consumer Duty enforcement and the newly formed Fair Work Agency establishes its enforcement pri

The UK Competition and Markets Authority has taken unprecedented enforcement action against a construction company and two of its employees for concealing evidence during an on-site inspection. This case represents the first time the CMA has imposed civil penalties on individuals for obstructing an investigation, raising questions about the scope of personal liability in competition law enforcement. The decision comes amid an ongoing investigation into suspected bid-rigging among construction firms and high

BCL partner John Binns has edited Lexology's comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering guide for 2024, providing expert analysis of AML regulations and compliance frameworks. His work includes critical commentary on AML laws, which he characterizes as weapons of mass distraction in his City AM publication.

Ponzi schemes continue to ensnare unsuspecting investors more than a century after Charles Ponzi's original fraud, with recent high-profile cases involving celebrities and athletes demonstrating the enduring appeal of promises for unrealistically high returns. From a Texas-based scheme that caught NFL player Travis Kelce to a bedroom operation in Devon that defrauded hundreds, these frauds exploit victims' lack of investment knowledge and create artificial urgency to prevent careful consideration. Understan

Probate fraud encompasses various forms of dishonest conduct involving wills, estates, and inheritance processes. From forged documents and executor misconduct to concealed assets and manipulated beneficiaries, understanding the warning signs and available legal remedies is essential for protecting estates and preserving rightful inheritances.

Commercial contracts are often negotiated over various emails, calls, pitch documents, forecasts and informal assurances. What happens if, after signing a contract, you discover that something important you were told during negotiations was wrong?

In a landmark High Court ruling, two former Petrofac directors facing bribery charges have secured the right to continue receiving defence cost coverage from their insurers under a Directors and Officers policy. The decision addresses fundamental questions about when insurers can avoid policies based on alleged fraud and establishes important precedents for executive protection during criminal proceedings.

Receiving a Section 172 notice requiring you to identify a driver can lead to serious penalties if you cannot provide the information. Understanding the reasonable diligence defence and the evidence needed to demonstrate genuine enquiries could be crucial to avoiding six penalty points, an unlimited fine, or even disqualification. What steps must you take to show the court that you made every realistic effort to identify the driver?

Understanding when driving offences on private land can lead to prosecution is crucial for motorists and landowners alike. The distinction between public and private property under the Road Traffic Act 1988 depends on public accessibility rather than ownership, meaning offences in car parks, private roads, and similar locations may still result in criminal charges.