Fraud
Our Approach to Fraud & Financial Crime
Fraud and financial crime investigations are complex, document-heavy, and often conducted over months or years before any arrest or charge. Agencies such as the SFO, FCA, and HMRC have significant investigative powers — and knowing how to respond from the outset is critical.
At Lostock Legal, we advise individuals and businesses facing fraud allegations, dawn raids, account freezing orders, and regulatory scrutiny. We act quickly to protect your position, your assets, and your reputation.
Early engagement with specialist solicitors can make the difference between prosecution and no further action.
Our Approach to Fraud & Financial Crime
Fraud and financial crime investigations are complex, document-heavy, and often conducted over months or years before any arrest or charge. Agencies such as the SFO, FCA, and HMRC have significant investigative powers — and knowing how to respond from the outset is critical.
At Lostock Legal, we advise individuals and businesses facing fraud allegations, dawn raids, account freezing orders, and regulatory scrutiny. We act quickly to protect your position, your assets, and your reputation.
Early engagement with specialist solicitors can make the difference between prosecution and no further action.
Areas We Advise On
Bribery & Corruption
Offences under the Bribery Act 2010 carry up to 10 years' imprisonment. We advise individuals and corporates facing investigation, including on adequate procedures defences and SFO engagement.
Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 introduced new failure to prevent fraud offences. We advise businesses and individuals on compliance, investigation response, and defence.
Criminal HMRC Investigations
HMRC's Criminal Investigation team handles the most serious tax fraud cases. We advise from the point of first contact — whether that is a Code of Practice 9 letter, a dawn raid, or an arrest.
Crypto Investigations & Seizures
Authorities have increasing powers to freeze, seize, and forfeit cryptocurrency. We advise on account freezing orders, civil recovery proceedings, and criminal investigations involving digital assets.
Furlough Fraud Investigations
HMRC continues to pursue employers and individuals who are alleged to have misused the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. We advise on voluntary disclosure, HMRC interviews, and criminal defence.
Money Laundering
Offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 cover a wide range of conduct. We advise on principal offences, consent applications, and defence to allegations of entering or facilitating arrangements involving criminal property.
Insolvency & Director Investigations
The Insolvency Service investigates directors for wrongful trading, fraud, and disqualification. We advise directors facing interview, investigation, or prosecution arising from company insolvency.
SFO Investigations
The Serious Fraud Office investigates the most complex fraud, bribery, and corruption cases. We advise individuals and corporates subject to SFO investigation, including on s.2 notices and interview strategy.
FCA Investigations
The Financial Conduct Authority has both civil and criminal enforcement powers. We advise individuals and firms facing FCA investigation, voluntary requirements, and enforcement action.
Cybercrime & Computer Misuse
Offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 range from unauthorised access to serious disruption of computer systems. We advise on all stages of investigation and prosecution, including device seizure and digital evidence.
Dawn Raids
A dawn raid by the SFO, FCA, HMRC, or police requires an immediate and controlled response. We provide 24/7 advice on what to do when investigators arrive, what they can and cannot take, and how to protect privilege.