Law enforcement authorities around the world are taking an increasingly tough approach to money laundering.
That is why it is important that corporates, banks, senior business figures, professionals and high net worth individuals (HNWIs) seek immediate legal advice if they believe a money laundering investigation is about to begin.
We are highly ranked in national and international legal guides for providing that all-important advice and guidance. Our money laundering defence team members are noted for their skill in managing money laundering investigations that cross borders and involve a number of investigating agencies. They coordinate multinational and multi-agency investigations and have a network of international contacts, unrivalled knowledge of worldwide money laundering legislation and the agencies that enforce it and years of experience in gathering, examining and assessing all the available evidence in order to devise the best strategy for responding to allegations.
There may be situations where companies unwittingly become involved in money laundering. For example, a company may be the last one in a chain and may receive money that it is unaware has been gained through illegal activity – such as bribery or corruption - and then moved through a number of countries or a complex series of transactions. All such situations require careful legal analysis and response. We offer that.
Meeting Your Obligations
Money laundering is an area that has seen increasing obligations placed on those in business. The UK’s anti-money laundering regime is among the toughest in the world, with unexplained wealth orders just the latest indicator of this.
Financial institutions and financial services providers who are covered by the UK’s Money Laundering Regulations – a group referred to as the regulated sector - are under a duty to send a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) to the National Crime Agency if they suspect money laundering. There has been a series of EU directives on money laundering in recent years and there may also be situations where assets are frozen as part of a laundering investigation.
All these legal obligations placed on corporates and individuals in business and finance cannot be ignored. They have to be met – and any allegations of failing to meet them have to be responded to in the right way.
At Rahman Ravelli, we offer the expertise to ensure you comply with your money laundering obligations. And we are there to ensure that your response to any allegation gives you the strongest possible opportunity to avoid the fines, convictions and reputational damage that can follow a money laundering investigation.
