Cross Border Crime
“They have a very clear understanding of differences in systems of law. They’re great at adjusting their strategy for local contexts and environments.”
Chambers UK
The investigation and prosecution of business crime is progressively international in scope. Frequently, our clients face the prospect of having to deal with enforcement action taking place simultaneously in multiple jurisdictions by multiple agencies (both criminal and regulatory). This could be in connection with allegations of substantive misconduct committed across borders, such as corruption, price-fixing and breach of sanctions, and/or in connection with the possession and use of assets in one country said to be derived from misconduct committed elsewhere. In such cases, suspected persons may have their assets frozen and be subject to money laundering investigations in addition to having to deal with the substantive criminal charges.
It is essential for persons subject to international enforcement action to receive coordinated advice on their overall position and to adopt a consistent, or at least informed, approach to the various agencies that may be engaged. BCL specialises in acting for individuals and organisations in large scale multi-national investigations and proceedings. We are familiar with the enforcement regimes in a number of countries around the world and have close working relationships with specialist local advisors in all major (and many less so) jurisdictions. We often direct teams of local lawyers and other professionals who are able to provide country-specific advice to ensure that our clients’ interests are protected in every relevant jurisdiction.
BCL’s lawyers enjoy pre-eminent reputations in their field. We are top ranked by Chambers UK, The Legal 500 and numerous other legal directories. We utilise our contacts and extensive experience of cross border criminal cases to provide expert advice and representation in connection with all potential issues that may arise; ranging from challenging requests for international assistance (including extradition), negotiating directly with overseas enforcement agencies and co-ordinating the defence of trials taking place overseas. As enforcement agencies around the world engage in ever more co-operation with their international partners, it is critical for persons subject to cross border investigations to receive timely, expert advice from lawyers skilled in dealing with such cases.
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