Banks and other lending institutions are now subject to pro-active obligations, meaning they must report what they deem to be suspicious activity in both personal and business accounts.  This has led to a significant rise in money laundering investigations. 

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What is Money Laundering?

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Put simply, money laundering is the process of changing large amounts of money obtained from criminal conduct, into appearing as though it has originated from a legitimate source.  Most commonly, the accusation is that the money has origination from organised crime, such as drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, people trafficking, terrorism funding or by individuals or organisations committing fraud.

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Criminal property doesn’t always mean cash. It also includes properties and real estates, and any other types of assets such as art, vehicles, and any other real property.

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In order for property to be defined as criminal, the Prosecution must prove it was obtained through criminal activity.  Almost always, the allegation is that an offence has been committed contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. 

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Free Initial Telephone Discussion

If you are under investigation for money laundering offences, or if you are facing money laundering charges, you must seek immediate advice from our highly experienced specialist Money Laundering Solicitors.  Our solicitors are also accredited Police Station representatives which means we can help from the outset.

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Contact us on 020 7404 3004 or by email at info@ikpsolicitors.com.

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We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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If you require urgent assistance, please contact us on our emergency number on 07738 802993.

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What activities are classed as Money Laundering?

In the first instance, the Prosecution will have to prove the criminal property. This is usually done by proving the type of offending that gave rise to the criminal property.

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Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, you are committing an offence if you are involved in any way in the following activities:

• If you are concealing, disguising, converting, transferring and/or removing criminal property from England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland,

• If you are entering into or becoming concerned in an arrangement which you know or suspect facilitates the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property by or on behalf of another person,

• If you acquire, use, or have possession of criminal property which you know or suspect to be the benefit from a criminal activity,

• In a regulated sector, if you know or suspect (or have reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting) that another person is engaged in money laundering, if you can identify that other person or the whereabouts of any of the laundered property and if you fail to disclose this information to a nominated officer or person of authority.

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What sentence will I receive if I am convicted?

Money laundering carries out a maximum sentence of 14 years. However, this can range from a simple fine up to 13 years imprisonment.  As such, it is vital that you contact our specialist Money Laundering Solicitors as soon as possible. 

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The sentence will first depend on the value of the money laundered. The lesser the value, the lesser the sentence. A category 1 offence relates to offences where the money laundered exceeds £10 million, whilst a category 6 offence relates to offences where the money laundering is valued at £10,000 or under.

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The Court will then establish the level of culpability.:

• High culpability means the offender had a leading role where he was part of a group activity, others were involved under pressure, where there was a significant planning and where the offence was conducted over a sustained period of time.

• Medium culpability means the offender had a significant role within the group activity.

•  Lesser culpability means the offender has a limited role which was performed under the direction of others, was involved in the offence through coercion or exploitation, was not motivated by personal gain, and/or had little knowledge of the extent of the criminal activity.

Our specialist Money Laundering Solicitors can provide expert advice from the outset. 

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Why Choose Imran Khan & Partners?

Our Money Laundering Solicitors have built up an enviable reputation in money laundering and fraud cases over the years, representing clients in both the UK and throughout the rest of the World.

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Money Laundering offences are often subject to restraint or confiscation proceedings. Our lawyers are mindful of this from the start and this is why we work closely with our expert Confiscation Department. 

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Our team will assist you and advise you throughout the proceedings:

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At the Police Station:

You are entitled to free legal advice at the Police Station. It is pivotal you seek representation from the outset. We will advise you and represent you at the Police station prior and during your interview.

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During the Police investigation, you may be subject to a Restraint Order, which freezes your assets. We can assist you with objecting or amending this Order so ensure this does not impact on your everyday life.

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At the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court:

If you are charged and your matter proceeds before the Courts, our team will do its best to secure the best outcome for you. We work closely with highly experienced Money Laundering Barristers who we will instruct to represent you at Court.

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We will thoroughly review the Prosecution’s evidence against you and we will work on building a strong defence for you. Where necessary, we will instruct Forensics Experts to assist with the preparation of your defence.

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Our highly trained team has experience in securing not guilty verdicts or, if not possible, securing a lesser charge.

Funding

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Money Laundering allegations are serious, and this usually means Legal Aid is available. We can submit a legal aid application on your behalf to the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).

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We can also offer you private representation. Please contact us if you wish to discuss and obtain a free quote.

How to get in contact

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If you are facing money laundering charges or are under investigation, do not delay and contact us on 020 7404 3004, or alternatively email us at info@ikpsolicitors.com.

 

If you have been arrested or are due to attend Court imminently and require urgent assistance, please contact us on our emergency number on 07738 802993.