Fraud and asset tracing

Our team has extensive experience of all aspects of litigation relating to international and domestic fraud, acting for claimants and defendants.

We assist anyone caught up in fraud allegations, including banks, fund managers, investment houses, insurance houses, government bodies, companies and individuals, whether acting in their own capacity or as representatives, such as directors, trustees and professional advisers.

Much of our work is international. We advise on jurisdiction issues and use our extensive connections with foreign lawyers, forensic accountants and enquiry agents, as well as the relevant authorities.  We are experienced in assisting parties in offshore jurisdictions.

In addition, our shipping lawyers have a proven track record of success, acting for insurers, shipowners, banks and corporations who find themselves the victims of fraud.  We frequently investigate the frauds in inhospitable jurisdictions, and on occasion have worked 'undercover' on clients' ships.  When dealing with prolonged illegal seizures of ships and kidnapping of crews, we are known for finding solutions in seemingly insoluble situations.

We can help you with:

  • Investigation of serious and complex frauds
  • Multi-jurisdictional and complicated asset-tracing
  • Worldwide search, seize and freezing orders
  • Disclosure and gagging orders
  • International enforcement orders and judgments
  • Defending individuals accused of fraud or caught up in the alleged fraud of another
  • Advising clients who become subjects of investigations and proceedings by criminal and regulatory authorities
  • Managing risk by advising clients on how to avoid the risks of investigations and prosecutions
  • Advising on money laundering issues
  • Conducting investigations to uncover fraudulent claims for both hull underwriters and cargo underwriters  
  • Advising shipowners and their insurers who have had vessels illegally seized including negotiating with hostage-takers, conducting political lobbying and applying to local courts for their release

Held in high repute for the fraud-related work it undertakes

Chambers UK 2009

"The kind of top client service that is hard to find"

Chambers UK 2009

"The sheer commitment of Stephenson Harwood is key to its success"

Chambers UK 2010

"Total dedication"

Asia Pacific Legal 500 2009/2010

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