Business and white collar crimes (also known as corporate crime and economic crime) describe types of financial crime typically occurring in a corporate setting and involving criminal offences of fraud and dishonesty.
Our specialist solicitors can help if you or your business are under investigation or are facing prosecution by an enforcement agency or regulatory body, including the police.
We realise that being accused of a corporate crime can be incredibly stressful, and that you are likely to be concerned about the repercussions on your business and reputation. Be assured, our team always handle matters with care, explaining your legal position and ensuring you are well informed throughout the necessary processes.
Please note that we do not offer legal aid services.
Our business and white collar crime solicitors can assist with:
- Fraud
- Money laundering
- Bribery and corruption
- Account freezing orders
- Proceeds of crime
Contact our business and white collar crime solicitors
Contact our business and white collar crime solicitors in the Regulatory & Crime team in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Leeds and Norwich. If you prefer, you can fill in our short enquiry form, and a member of our team will be in touch.
Our business and white collar crime services
Fraud
An offence of fraud involves intentionally and dishonestly (by false representation, by failing to disclose information or by abuse of position) attempting to gain an advantage (usually financial) or to cause loss or risk of loss to another.
Fraud investigations are very serious and can disrupt your personal life and business reputation. If you are currently under investigation for suspected fraud, we strongly advise that you contact one of our business crime solicitors immediately. We can help you to anticipate and minimise the impact on your reputation and business.
Our defence team can assist in liaising with the police or other regulatory body on your behalf and provide legal advice and representation in the event of an ensuing criminal prosecution.
To access support today, please get in touch with our expert business crime lawyers.
Money laundering
The term ‘money laundering’ describes various methods of converting proceeds of crime into purportedly legitimate assets.
Investigations into suspected money laundering offences can have a significant impact on you personally and on your business; sentences for serious charges on conviction carry substantial fines or a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
At Ashtons Legal LLP, we can help you manage the investigatory and criminal proceedings and provide advice and defence representation.
Bribery and corruption
Bribery and corruption offences involve offering or receiving a bribe to induce or reward improper performance of a relevant function or activity. These offences may include bribing officials, accepting bribes, and failing to prevent bribery within organisations.
If you have been accused of bribery and corruption, our business and white collar crime solicitors can provide specialist legal advice. We can collect evidence to support your case, build a defence, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you during the necessary proceedings.
Account freezing orders
An account freezing order (AFO) can be placed on your business or personal bank account by an enforcement agency to freeze a specified amount of funds suspected of being ‘recoverably property’ i.e. derived from or intended for use in criminal conduct.
AFOs can be in place for up to 2 years and, should the funds be deemed recoverable property, they may be liable to forfeit. Freezing orders can have a very disruptive impact on your business by impeding cash flow and causing reputational harm; therefore, if your account has been frozen by and AFO, we strongly advise that you reach out.
We will help you liaise with the enforcement agency to navigate the frozen funds investigation and mitigate the impact on your business. Your solicitor will present you with the various options regarding challenging the AFO and assist in resolving the matter quickly, with sound advice and representation.
Proceeds of Crime
Proceeds of crime are money or assets obtained through criminal conduct and may be liable to investigation, confiscation, seizure and retention.
If you have been contacted by an enforcement agency in relation to any suspected offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, please get in touch with our Regulatory & Crime team.
Our white collar crime lawyers supported many clients in this situation and can help you by providing tailor-fit legal advice, explaining your options and devising the best strategy moving forward.
Why choose Ashtons Legal as your business and white collar crime solicitors?
At Ashtons Legal, we have extensive experience supporting businesses and individuals facing serious white-collar crime investigations and accusations. We understand the potential consequences of such matters, from financial and operational disruption to reputational damage, and we approach every case with the utmost care and discretion.
Our specialist team provides clear, strategic advice to help you navigate complex allegations, protecting your interests at every stage. Whether you are dealing with accusations of fraud, money laundering, bribery and corruption, or facing account freezing orders and proceeds of crime investigations, we will work proactively to safeguard your position and secure the best possible outcome.
If you require white collar crime advice, please contact our business crime solicitors today.
Contact our business and white collar crime solicitors
If you require support, please contact our business and white collar crime solicitors in the Regulatory & Crime team in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Leeds and Norwich. If you prefer, you can fill in our short enquiry form, and a member of our team will be in touch.