Investigations and enforcement

In our complex world, regulation has grown exponentially, giving regulators, prosecutors, and other law enforcement agencies far-reaching powers to investigate and fine. Much of that regulation is aimed at preventing or combatting fraud and financial crime, which is increasingly sophisticated, affecting all parts of society. It is estimated to cost the UK economy alone as much as £125 billion every year.

Effective prevention and resolution of investigations

Successfully handling investigations requires prompt action together with specialist knowledge and skill across a number of areas. At Penningtons Manches Cooper, our multi-disciplinary team provides expert, bespoke support for corporate and individual clients, whether they are facing investigation or prosecution or seeking redress after a regulatory or criminal incident has had an impact on their business or affected them personally. In addition to swiftly addressing immediate concern, our eye for detail and analytical thinking enable us to devise highly effective, longer-term strategies to resolve the issues they face and prevent them from re-occurring.

Our lawyers are experienced in providing advice and representation in relation to the full range of investigations by the Financial Conduct Authority, Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue & Customs, the Crown Prosecution Service, National Crime Agency, and the police. We can also assist where there are cross-border investigations which may involve mutual legal assistance or joint operations between UK and foreign law enforcement agencies, such as the US Department of Justice, and the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

The team’s knowledge and the depth of advice they give is extremely thorough.

We are independently recognised for our skill in handling the criminal, commercial and regulatory overlap that these cases often require and will provide preventative advice on financial hygiene and the implementation of policies to address bribery, corruption and money laundering. We are leaders in the field of cyber crime and cyber security.

Working closely with other members of our commercial dispute resolution, reputation management and insurance teams, our lawyers’ priority is to adopt a seamless and comprehensive approach from the outset, ensuring wherever possible that sensitive cases are kept out of the press and any reputational damage is minimised.

How we help our clients

Cyber security and cyber crime

Cases involving money laundering, bribery and corruption

Handling Financial Conduct Authority investigations and prosecutions

Revenue (tax) investigations and prosecutions

Responding to unannounced dawn raids

Search, seizure and retention of property

Mutual legal assistance requests

Restraint and freezing orders

Managing internal investigations

Financial crime and regulation

Cartels

Penningtons Manches Cooper is fully committed, dedicated and attentive to the needs of clients.

A fantastic practice in a very competitive field – strength in depth and a fabulous team. Great litigators – strategically astute, technically strong and commercial.

Recent work highlights

Tax dispute proceedings

Acting for an individual in respect of a substantial investigation and proceedings brought by the tax authority of another jurisdiction.

Action against former director

Representing an English sporting institution in a wide-ranging dispute with a former director and shareholder following an investigation which uncovered historic financial irregularities likely to have criminal and regulatory consequences.

Investigation into misuse of charity funds

Conducting an internal investigation into the conduct of a member of the senior leadership team of a prominent UK charity which indicated the misappropriation of charity funds.

Probe into allegations of fraud

Running an internal investigation, for an international UK-headquartered technology company, into accusations of financial impropriety by senior management, involving misappropriation of public funds.

Anti-bribery and corruption taskforce

Managing an internal investigation into concern around Bribery Act 2010 issues in a foreign jurisdiction for a UK-headquartered manufacturing SME, including not only remediation, but the preparation and implementation of new compliance procedures.

FCA investigation for fintech business

Acting for the UK subsidiary of a listed multinational fintech company on an internal investigation into breaches of FCA capital adequacy rules following a whistleblowing report, including liaising with the FCA, and assisting with implementation of a remediation plan.