Overview

Our Chambers has extensive expertise in defending clients facing proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act, including confiscation hearings, asset restraint and recovery arising from serious and complex criminal allegations. Members are regularly instructed in high value and technically demanding POCA cases linked to fraud, money laundering, cybercrime, corruption and organised criminal activity, often involving international elements, hidden ownership structures and significant alleged benefit figures. These cases frequently require detailed financial analysis and strategic challenges to the prosecution’s assumptions on ownership, control and criminal property.

We are particularly experienced in analysing and contesting the evidential foundations of confiscation proceedings, including the calculation of benefit, available amount and the treatment of third party interests. Our barristers are adept at scrutinising banking records, digital material, messaging platforms, cell site data and expert financial evidence, and at advancing robust legal submissions where the prosecution case relies on inference or incomplete financial disclosure. Chambers has a strong track record of securing substantial reductions in confiscation orders and achieving successful outcomes in complex, multi jurisdictional POCA litigation.

Members of Chambers are frequently instructed to provide strategic advice from the earliest stages of investigation through trial, confiscation and appeal. We are trusted to manage cases involving cross border assets, offshore structures, underground banking and international enforcement agencies, ensuring that clients’ financial exposure is properly assessed and rigorously challenged at every stage of the process.

Defending POCA, confiscation and asset recovery proceedings demands specialist knowledge, forensic attention to detail and clear strategic judgment. Our Chambers offers a depth of experience and recognised expertise in this highly specialised area, making us a trusted choice for solicitors seeking authoritative defence counsel in serious confiscation and asset recovery matters, where the financial consequences are often as significant as the criminal allegations themselves.

What This Area Covers

Our work in this area includes:

• Confiscation proceedings, including challenges to benefit figures and available amount calculations
• Restraint orders, including applications to vary or discharge asset freezes before trial
• Civil recovery and cash forfeiture proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court and the High Court
• Certificates of inadequacy, including High Court applications where asset values have reduced
• Third party interests, including protecting assets held by spouses, family members, and business partners
• Allegations of hidden assets and tainted gifts
• Enforcement proceedings, including default sentence hearings and receivership appointments

Additional Expertise & Advocacy

Our barristers have extensive experience in complex financial litigation involving international elements, offshore structures, and informal or underground banking systems.

We regularly work with forensic accountants to trace funds, challenge prosecution valuations, and test assumptions relating to ownership, control and benefit.

We are particularly skilled in cases at the intersection of criminal and civil law, including successfully securing certificates of inadequacy and advancing legal arguments to protect family and third party property rights.

Whether challenging large benefit figures in fraud cases or contesting cash seizures based on police intelligence, our advocacy is detailed, technically robust, and firmly focused on limiting financial exposure.