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SFO Investigations

If you have you been invited to attend an interview by the SFO, or are under investigation, our SFO Investigation Solicitors can help you wherever you are based.

At Imran Khan and Partners Solicitors, we have an experienced team of lawyers who are regularly instructed by those who are subject to an investigation by the SFO.

Free Initial Telephone Discussion

For a free initial telephone discussion, please call us on 020 7404 3004 or email info@ikpsolicitors.com and we'll be in touch shortly. We can help clients wherever you are based across England and Wales.

We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you require urgent assistance, please contact us on our emergency number on 07738 802993.

Serious Fraud Office Investigations

The Serious Fraud Office (‘SFO’) investigates serious fraud, bribery and corruption in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Investigations by the SFO relate to particularly complex financial crime cases that require their specialist skills and powers. Therefore, if you are subject to an investigation by the SFO it is key that you receive equally specialist representation.

Cases being investigated by the SFO are inherently complicated and deemed serious. Imran Khan and Partners Solicitors are proficient in defending clients at the investigation stage and have experience in successfully avoiding criminal charges being brought.

If you have been charged with fraud, bribery or corruption your liberty is at risk and if convicted, you could be sentenced to a long period of imprisonment. Further, once convicted the SFO could commence confiscation proceedings against you during which they will attempt to recover your assets to repay what you are alleged to have benefitted from your criminal conduct. Confiscation proceedings could involve you losing your home, vehicle and life’s savings, even if they have been obtained legitimately. As such, it is crucial that you choose the right firm to represent you at the early stages of an investigation by the SFO to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

If confiscation proceedings have been commenced against you, please contact our specialist confiscation and financial crime department for assistance.

Do I have to provide information to the SFO - A ‘Section 2 Notice’?

You could be compelled to provide information or documentation to the SFO under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987. If you have been invited for what is known as a ‘Section 2 Notice Interview’ it is vital that you seek legal advice urgently. If you fail to cooperate during the interview or are alleged to have provided misleading information, you could be charged with an offence.

 

How your matter is handled at interview can influence the investigation and whether you are charged or not.

Imran Khan and Partners Solicitors are able to assist you with SFO investigations from the moment you are invited for interview.

Deferred Prosecution Agreements - Can I come to an agreement with the SFO?

There is a mechanism known as a Deferred Prosecution Agreement which is an agreement between the SFO and an organisation that could be prosecuted. The agreement is made under the supervision of a judge and allows a prosecution to be delayed for a specific period on the basis that the organisation meets particular conditions. Such an agreement, if complied with, could avoid damage to your company’s reputation that would flow from criminal convictions. It should be noted that Deferred Prosecution Agreements apply to organisations only, not individuals.

Imran Khan and Partners Solicitors have successfully negotiated agreements with the SFO in relation to individual matters. We represent clients who are subject to investigations and are able to advise whether it is appropriate or possible to come to an agreement with the SFO in respect of your matter.

Enforcement Receiver Applications - Can the SFO take my assets even though I am not charged with an offence?

The SFO have a wide range of powers, which extend to applying for account freezing orders, asset forfeiture and appointment of enforcement receivers. We have experience in representing innocent third parties for example spouses, parents or children of those who are subject to an investigation or being prosecuted by the SFO. If the SFO are making an application to force the sale of assets owned by you, our team are here to help.

How do I pay for my legal fees?

Please contact us to discuss your circumstances and possible funding options. If you do not have the finances to pay for legal advice, you may be eligible for Legal Aid funding.

How to get in contact

If you need a specialist solicitor who is well versed in SFO investigations, please contact Paul O'Donnell on 07740290616, at Paulo@ikpsolicitors.com or call 0207 404 3004.

We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We can assist wherever you are based and have offices in central London.

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