“Specialist expertise in politically sensitive matters, frequently acting on proceedings involving multiple jurisdictions, asset freezing and Interpol red notices.”

Chambers UK

We act for individuals in complex extradition and Interpol matters, both in standalone cases and in the wider context of cross border financial crime investigations. We represent (former) politicians, executives and entrepreneurs. Our criminal and regulatory expertise together with our focus on complex international cases sets us apart from our competitors, and we have extensive experience of politicised regions and regimes, which often give rise to cases that are politically motivated or otherwise brought for improper reasons.

Our expertise

We provide specialist advice and representation to achieve the most effective outcomes for our clients. For example:

• Where an extradition request or Interpol Notice can be predicted, we often engage with overseas regulators, working alongside local counsel, with a view to bringing the investigation to an end. In other cases, we engage with the UK authorities and/or Interpol to seek to ensure that any request for extradition or an Interpol Notice is refused.
• Should substantive extradition proceedings be commenced, we vigorously defend our clients’ interests. Defences to extradition vary, but frequently include arguments based on the motivation for bringing the proceedings, the right to a fair trial, and the conduct of the overseas authorities.
• In cases where an Interpol Notice has been issued, submissions may be made to Interpol seeking the deletion of the Notice. The arguments advanced in such cases are generally based on Interpol’s obligations to ensure observance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to refuse requests relating to offences of a predominantly political character.

Our experience

Our experience in extradition and Interpol cases has been built over decades and includes many of the highest profile (and numerous less so) cases before the English courts, including:

• Successful defence of extradition proceedings against a former Government Minister of an Eastern European state in connection with politically motivated allegations of fraud and abuse of office.
• Acting for the owner of one the largest steel manufacturing businesses in Europe in extradition proceedings alleging environmental and financial crimes.
• Successful challenge to an Interpol Red Notice issued by Venezuela in respect of allegations of corruption.
• Successful defence of extradition proceedings against the owner of a major Turkish news outlet in connection with politically motivated charges against supporters of the Muslim cleric, Fethullah Gülen.
• Acting for the director of an asset management firm in relation to an extradition request by the USA on allegations of major securities fraud involving microcap companies.
• Successful application to Interpol for interim relief in respect of a Diffusion Notice issued by a Middle Eastern state.
• Successful defence of extradition proceedings (and successful challenge to an Interpol Diffusion Notice) against a high-profile opponent of the Russian regime in connection with politically motivated allegations of fraud and murder.
• Successful challenge to an Interpol Red Notice issued by Qatar in respect of alleged cheque fraud.
• Acting for the founder and chief executive of a private equity firm in extradition proceedings brought by the USA alleging fraud.
• Acting for a former banker in the first extradition request made to the UK by South Korea concerning allegations of market manipulation.

Our reputation

We are ranked for our extradition and Interpol expertise by the major legal directories, including Chambers and Partners, and our lawyers enjoy pre-eminent reputations in their field. We are included in GIR’s list of the world’s leading investigations firms and named as the leading firm in the ‘Financial Crime & Fraud & Regulatory’ category of The Times Best Law Firms 2021.

What the directories say about us for this area: