Modern business and finance often cross borders. This means that any legal problems that arise can involve numerous law enforcement agencies in a number of countries. Any corporation or senior executive involved has to know how to respond to these.
Such responses are what Rahman Ravelli specialises in. The response in such a situation has to be intelligent, well-timed and, when necessary, robust. This is what we do.
Our lawyers have the relevant knowledge and expertise when it comes to the country you are trading in, the legal issues you are facing and dealing with the agencies who are investigating you.
In such circumstances speed of thought and action are important. We create a tailor-made legal team that can address every aspect of your case, however complex it may appear.
Whether it be allegations regarding fraud, bribery and corruption, tax, competition and cartels, asset recovery, money laundering, civil fraud or even dispute resolution, we manage every stage of the case for you.
We work on the biggest and most complicated national and international investigations for corporate clients, senior business figures and high net worth individuals.
Every case is different. But each case that crosses borders or involves a number of law enforcement agencies requires quick, intelligent assessment of the arguments and evidence and a careful and coordinated response.
Rahman Ravelli is recognised internationally as a firm that goes wherever it is necessary to go to represent those investigated by any number of organisations in any number of countries. Crossing the globe at a moment’s notice whenever we are needed is our speciality. It what gets us results and has led to us winning awards and top rankings in UK and worldwide legal guides.
We have the resources, the expertise and the international links with legal experts around the world to ensure that no case is too large, too far away or too complex for us to take on and gain the best possible outcome for a client.
If your business has crossed borders you may, at some point, require legal representation that does the same. At Rahman Ravelli we are worldwide specialists.
We know that different countries and different law enforcement agencies can present challenges for those who are investigated. But we meet those challenges for clients, wherever in the world they do their business.
Read more in our guide: Multi-Agency And Multi-Jurisdictional Investigations - The Importance Of Coordinating Your Response
A cross-border investigation is one that spans more than one country or involves the concurrent exercise of investigative or enforcement powers by authorities in multiple jurisdictions. They typically arise from alleged offences with an international dimension — such as cross-border fraud, bribery of foreign public officials, international money laundering, sanctions breaches, or market manipulation carried out across different financial markets. They may involve cooperation between domestic agencies and their overseas counterparts via mechanisms such as Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs) and letters rogatory.
Cross-border investigations frequently involve coordination between UK authorities and foreign agencies. The UK authorities include: the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and HMRC. Overseas agencies include: the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), and Europol. Interpol may also be involved where individuals are sought across borders.
MLATs are bilateral or multilateral treaties that create formal frameworks for governments to share evidence, intelligence, and witness testimony across borders in criminal investigations. When a UK authority needs evidence from another country — or vice versa — it can make a request under the relevant MLAT. The process involves formal diplomatic channels and can be time-consuming, but remains a primary mechanism for obtaining overseas bank records, corporate documents, and witness statements in serious fraud and corruption cases.
Yes. The UK has extradition arrangements with a significant number of countries, including the United States (under the Extradition Act 2003 and the UK-US Extradition Treaty) and EU member states (under post-Brexit arrangements that vary by country). Whether extradition is granted depends on various factors including whether the conduct is a criminal offence in both countries, whether the request is made in good faith, and whether extradition would be compatible with human rights law. Specialist representation at the earliest stage is vital.
US authorities — particularly the Department of Justice and the SEC — assert jurisdiction over conduct with a connection to the United States, even where that conduct is carried out largely or entirely outside America. This 'long-arm' jurisdiction can arise where a transaction is processed in US dollars, where a US stock exchange or bank is involved, or where a company is listed in the US. UK companies with any US nexus should be aware that they may be subject to simultaneous UK and US enforcement action.
Managing a multi-agency investigation requires a coordinated legal strategy from the outset. Responses to different agencies must be consistent; any disclosure to one authority must take account of its potential use by others. Legal privilege, the right against self-incrimination, and the varying rules on compelled disclosure differ significantly between jurisdictions and must be navigated carefully. A legal team with genuine cross-border experience is essential to ensure that tactical decisions made in one jurisdiction do not prejudice the position in another.
In cross-border investigations, DPAs are increasingly used to resolve corporate criminal liability in multiple jurisdictions simultaneously — a practice known as global settlements. A UK company may negotiate a DPA with the SFO alongside a non-prosecution or deferred prosecution agreement with US authorities. Coordinating these negotiations requires a legal team with deep experience of both UK and US enforcement processes. The terms of each resolution must be carefully co-ordinated to avoid inconsistency or unintended admissions.
Cross-border investigations raise a distinct set of challenges that differ substantially from purely domestic proceedings. Different legal systems, evidentiary rules, and procedural rights apply in each jurisdiction. The risk of a poorly coordinated response — such as making admissions in one country that are used against you in another — is significant. Specialists in cross-border investigations have established networks of overseas counsel, deep knowledge of international legal assistance frameworks, and the strategic experience to manage complex multi-front proceedings effectively.
