Criminal and Regulatory Investigations; the benefits of early solicitor involvement.

The following are examples of a range of cases recently successfully concluded on behalf of clients, by Bill Wilson (all of which were at the investigation stage) hence the importance of early intervention to avoid the reputational damage of charges being preferred and lengthy and stressful hearing and, of course, significant costs:-

• Multi-Million Pound Fraud. Bill represented a Director of a Financial House. This matter dated back over several years and involved multiple agency separate investigations all of which were concluded without any adverse action. HMRC initially commenced an investigation in 2014, with the matter then being handed over to the Financial Conduct Authority who in turn following their investigation, referred the matter to the Economic Crime Team of Sussex Police. Notwithstanding all investigations at that point having been concluded with No Further Action, the matter was subsequently the centre of a new separate investigation, this time by the Economic Crime Team, Dorset Police with allegations of Conspiracy to Commit Fraud and Money Laundering. This was an extremely complex matter and involved numerous companies with a matrix of detailed trading models. Issues arose concerning Legal Professional Privilege, Abuse of Process and how arrest warrants had been obtained. This was certainly one of the longest and most heavily investigated matters ever dealt with, but now finally concluded with No Further Action. The client was fortunate in having recall to his Director & Officer (D&O) Insurance Policy.

Client Comments:

"I am deeply grateful for the exceptional support provided by Bill Wilson during one of the most challenging times of my life as a company director. Facing multiple investigations from HMRC, FCA, and the Police was daunting, and I felt lost and overwhelmed. However, Bill’s caring demeanour and genuine concern immediately put me at ease. His legal expertise and unwavering support gave me the confidence to navigate the complexities of the situation with courage. Despite the unfounded claims against my company and myself, Bill stood by my side, ensuring I felt heard and understood throughout the process. I wholeheartedly recommend Bill to anyone facing legal challenges; his compassionate guidance has been invaluable. Thank you, Bill, for being a steadfast advocate and a source of strength during this difficult journey."

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• Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Represented a retired Metropolitan Police Officer wrongly implicated in the notorious WhatsApp Groups saga. The investigation centred on Gross Misconduct around hearsay comments made by another serving officer. After a lengthy and detailed investigation, which involved an interview under caution, the matter was successfully concluded with no further action, and the reputation of Bill’s client was fully retained and intact.

Client Comments:

"I cannot convey my gratitude enough for your generosity and of course for your support in this unpleasant time. After I spoke to you the first time and you agreed to represent me, I couldn’t describe the relief I felt. It lifted a weight off my shoulders that I didn’t know I was bearing. Your advice and reassurance kept my morale high. Even though I knew that I hadn’t done anything wrong, I was aware that these things can go horribly awry”.

• Fraud & Corruption Probe. Represented a Senior Director who was arrested with other Executives in connection to allegations of bribery in a ‘cash-for-contracts’ scandal involving a major property company, investigated by the Economic Crime Unit, Metropolitan Police. Extremely complex investigation which spanned a number of years commencing in 2017 and involved numerous companies and suspects. The Police seized a significant number of electronic items containing millions of documents. Eventually, the Police investigation concluded with No Further Action being taken against any person connected to their investigation.

Client Comments:

“Truly wonderful to now at last be able to put this all behind me, after such a stressful prolonged investigation. Bill was always there at each point and confident that the matter would be successfully resolved. Extremely grateful for everything. Safe pair of hands.”

• Stalking/ Controlling Coercive Behaviour. Bill represented a Company Director who as a result of marital difficulties found himself the subject of allegations by his estranged wife, which involved alleged digital surveillance devices. The unfounded allegations were significant and designed to impact both on a personal and commercial level over several companies. The allegations were completely refuted during the interview under caution following the service of a lengthy rebuttal statement. Ultimately after a prolonged period, the Metropolitan Police accepted there was no evidence of wrongdoing and concluded with No Further Action.  

Client Comments:

"This was an extremely stressful time. I am truly grateful for all of the support given, excellent advice, and help in all matters."

• Common Assault. Bill Represented a Medical Professional who found herself accused of allegations of Common Assault investigated by the Metropolitan Police and an ancillary investigation conducted by her NHS Trust. Thankfully all matters were concluded with No Further Action and Bill’s client’s reputation was retained in full.  

Client Comments:

“Words are not enough to convey how grateful I am.”

• Sexual Assault. Bill Represented a Sports Therapist subject of allegations of sexual assault investigated by Hampshire Constabulary. Undoubtedly due to the sheer nature of the allegations, the effect had a severe impact on our client and he needed to be robustly defended to highlight the inaccuracies surrounding the allegations. This entailed a detailed and complex rebuttal statement provided at interview. The Police accepted there was no evidence of wrongdoing concluding the matter with No Further Action.

• Fraud by False Representation & Money Laundering. Represented five Traders in a complex investigation by the City of London Police surrounding allegations of fraud in the foreign exchange (FX) markets. Approximately £70 million was involved. This was a long-running and complex investigation and all five clients were released with No Further Action or Charges being preferred. 

• Common Assault. Bill Represented a young man accused of an assault during a relationship with his ex-girlfriend. Reputation was all important and after representations to the Police, they concluded the matter with No Further Action.

• Fraud. Bill Represented a Dentist accused of fraud arising from an employment dispute by her employer. Allegations centred on missing stock, inaccurate accounting practices, and emails. After detailed submissions following a forensic breakdown, No Further Action was taken and the matter was closed.