Accusations of fraud have to be tackled immediately. The company or person being accused or investigated has to act quickly and appoint the right legal representative to ensure the greatest chance of success.
Fraud investigations and prosecutions are lengthy, complex and can place huge demands on companies, their staff and senior individuals. Seeking the right legal expertise as early as possible makes it more likely that those under investigation can influence the way the investigation proceeds – and how the investigators act towards them.
The right legal advice from day one will make sure the investigators cannot exceed their powers or place undue pressure on who they are investigating.
Whether it is a corporation or an individual being investigated, doing nothing makes it easier for the authorities to do what they want. It may also mean that a valuable opportunity for the defence is lost. For example, the authorities will find it simpler to obtain a restraint order against a company, an individual or their family if no legal challenge to it is mounted.
At Rahman Ravelli, we make it our job to use our experience and expertise to anticipate and advise our clients accordingly. Whether representing a corporation or an individual, we contact the authorities and immediately negotiate the immediate difficulties. Then we mount the strongest defence case possible.
The earlier legal advice is sought, the quicker your rights and your assets can be protected by challenging the assumptions and activities of investigators and prosecutors in areas such as search warrants, raids and restraint orders.
Rapid Response Team
Our lawyers are available around the clock to deal with any of these issues and we will assemble a specialist team to advise immediately and attend any premises or interviews. Visit the Rapid Response page.
Rapid Response Team 24 Hour Emergency Contact: 0800 559 3500.
enquiries@rahmanravelli.co.uk
Search Warrants and Raids
An investigating authority may apply for a search warrant usually under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) if it has reasonable grounds to suspect that an offence has been committed and that there may be material on the premises that could assist in an investigation.
Faced with such a prospect, a person needs a legal defence team capable of challenging the investigators; either by reference to procedural rules regarding the application for the warrant or to the actual conduct of the search. Such challenges can be an important tactic when acting immediately to mount a powerful defence case.
Dealing with the aftermath of a raid is just as important as establishing a team to deal with all aspects of the imminent investigation. Experienced legal advisors, senior staff who have access to all relevant information and possibly a public relations consultant to handle any media coverage should all be part of the team. This team must analyse the evidence taken during the raid and examine the strength of the case against the company.
Taking advice on internal investigations is also crucial, including reviewing compliance procedures.
The steps taken immediately after a raid are vital. Only awareness of the law in this field can determine what steps should be taken. And the effects of such a strategy will be clear in hindsight if a company or individual is raided.
See Search Warrants and Dawn Raids for further details.
Restraint and Freezing Orders
Under the 2002 Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), investigating authorities can apply to restrain companies’ or an individual’s assets if they believe the assets are the proceeds of criminality. As this can happen at any stage of an investigation, anyone facing such a prospect should seek legal assistance the moment they believe this is a possibility.
Restraint orders can be crippling if not dealt with properly. At Rahman Ravelli we have a great deal of experience and expertise in dealing with these orders and have successfully discharged and varied them to enable our clients to continue with their business while having sufficient amounts for living expenses.
See Restraint Orders for further details.
We also have experience in dealing with Civil Freezing Orders including World Wide Freezing Orders and Mareva Injunctions. See Commercial Services for further details.
