Complex Crime and Serious Fraud
For over 75 years Hunt & Coombs Solicitors have been representing clients in relation to the most complex of cases.
Hunt & Coombs have a team of dedicated experts who specialise in
- Serious fraud
- High cost cases
- VAT investigations
- Customs & Excise offences
- Murder, manslaughter and related grave offences
- Terrorism
- Money Laundering
Serious cases involving a considerable amount of dedication and time in order for a legal team to understand the complexities and facts of any individual case.
Many of the fraud cases will take years to come to Court and further months to progress through the legal system.
Cases of this nature will involve thousands of pounds worth of costs and can result in lengthy prison sentences if convicted.
It is our experience that a dedicated personal service by professionals working with their clients ensures that people are represented to the highest level with their best defences being put forward.
In complex cases the smallest piece of evidence can be the turning point in relation to significant issues.
We are aware that in complex cases the person who knows their case the best is often the accused. It is clearly essential that the accused is the linchpin to the preparation of the case, hence our dedicated service to ensure that all areas of the case are looked at and a good line of communication is set up between all parties.
Investigation Stage
Many cases may have the most complex of defences, amongst numerous legal arguments, but what is said at the outset of the persons accused/involved with these issues can greatly affect the outcome of the case.
It would not be unusual for interviews at Police Stations and other locations to take days to complete and by nature of interviews lasting a significant number of hours considerable pressure can be applied to those being interviewed.
We would advise the early intervention of a legal team before any interviews take place or at least during the investigation stage is the best way to ensure that your rights as the accused are protected from the outset.
Before and during the investigation stage we can of course assist with a number of issues which can arise in these types of cases e.g.
- freezing orders
- search warrants
- seizure of documents
Preparation for Trial
The more complex the case the more powers have to be unneeded in order to prepare these types of cases fully.
With the fact that cases can go on for many months and years, it is essential to have a team working on your case.
This ensures a dedicated person with knowledge of your case is always available to progress the matter and ensure the preparation is undertaken.
It would not be unusual for many thousands of hours to be spent leaving no stone unturned ensuring that your defence team are in the position to represent your interests and put forward the best defences at any complex trial.
Your Legal Team
When you decide who your legal team are going to be in representing you in some of the most serious matters you will probably ever face it is essential that you have complete confidence in your team.
We anticipate the confidence in a team can be established by considering the following:
- experience and reputation of the firm
- personalities involved in representing you
- individualism and speciality of those persons advising you
- the fact that a team is present to assist you
The Serious Crime Team
hc solicitors have had a strong working relationship with 2 Hare Court, one of the most experienced Barrister’s Chambers in London.
Brendan Kelly QC
An expert in complex crime heads up a complex crime team at hc solicitors and is always available to advise and consider case plans and work that needs to be undertaken in the preparation of these cases before they proceed to trial.
Significant cases undertaken
Rv Conjoice and others. Wales’ largest ever fraud, Mr Conjoice was tried on two indictments taking close to 9 months of court time. Time spent c.700 hours
Rv Williams and others. Represented the second jockey in this renowned ‘race fixing’ trial. Trial lasted four months c. 450 hours.
Rv Lord Rodley and others. Represented the second defendant in an attempted theft of £300 million from a Japanese bank c. 370 hours 3 month case
Rv Thangadevel and others. Represented the third defendant in this conspiracy to defraud £30 million by the use of cloned credit cards. c. 250 hours
Ongoing
Operation Tangelo - Southwark Crown Court - 18-handed £12 million fraud.
Rv Bhat - Birmingham Crown Court - £15 million confiscation proceedings
Prosecution
The Prudential Fraud - Junior Counsel to the Crown in this three year long major fraud.
Simon Milburn
A solicitor with considerable experience is one of the Senior Advocates in this firm. Simon is renowned for leaving no detail unchecked and he is described as having an immaculate attention to detail.
Significant cases undertaken
2006-2008 – Francis-Macrae – internet fraud/POCA proceedings – £1 million +
2007 – Martens & Others – drugs importation
2009 – Gale – fraud/theft/POCA proceedings - £350k +
Andy Cave
Is an Higher Court Advocate as well as an experienced solicitor with a history of dealing with extremely complex cases. He is renowned for having a tenacity to ensure that the defence are usually one step ahead of the prosecution.
Significant cases undertaken
2009 R and Barrett – property fraud in the region of £1,000,000.00
2009 R and Lovemore – familial homicide
R and Prince – fraudulent training – £800,000.00
The leading members of the complex crime team are of course supported by many assistant solicitors and clerks who have extensive experience in working with the leading individuals ensuring that these cases are prepared to an exemplary level.
If you wish to discuss any complex crime issues or any potential prosecutions in respect of any serious area of law please do not hesitate to contact our complex crime team.
Email: andy.cave@hcsolicitors.co.uk
Email: simon.milburn@hcsolicitors.co.uk
Tel: 01733 882800
