FSA Changing Their Approach?

Fresh reports suggest that the FSA are taking a more aggressive approach to wrongdoing in the City.

Despite the fact that the number of dawn raids against companies was down last year to twenty-one (there were twenty-six such raids in 2007), the FSA are now suggesting proposals for strict liability offences against directors/managers in the event of bank failures. Next month they bring a prosecution against a healthcare company for allegedly producing false and misleading statements to the market.

In the event that you are the subject of a FSA dawn raid or investigation contact enquiries or Jeffrey Lewis, Siobhain Egan, Miles Herman, Keith Wood.

USA to Review 2003 Anglo–American Extradition Treaty?

It seems that after PM Cameron’s recent visit to the US, America has agreed to review the controversial treaty. This follows an earlier promise by Teresa May in November 2011 after the very thorough Baker Review.

A number of recent successful deportations to the US have caused deep anger, primarily because the 2003 treaty was aimed at alleged terrorism.

We have an excellent extradition team, Leila Abdul-Rasool and Nick Wragg, who in turn work with leading extradition counsel.

Vast Increase in Land Banking Fraud Investigations

City of London Fraud Police are currently involved in a large number of ‘land banking fraud’ investigations across the country. These frauds are very similar to the ‘boiler room share frauds’ but focus instead upon allegedly falsely representing that land is suitable for future development and which are, according to Police, simply bogus developments.

We have considerable, successful experience of defending both these and ‘boiler room’ frauds. Contact enquiries or Jeffrey Lewis, Siobhain Egan, Miles Herman, Keith Wood.

Stamp Duty Changes in Budget

The latest budget increases to 7% on sales of property over £2million. HRMC plans crack down to prevent individuals placing property into offshore companies. There will also be 15% stamp duty on properties over £2million purchased through a company.

Mortgage Scheme Boost for Buyers

People in England are to be offered help to climb onto or up the housing ladder as the government’s new mortgage guarantee scheme launches. For further information see the BBC’s report here.

Italians Are Now the Biggest Buyers of Central London Property

The Independent states that Italian buyers, anxious to escape the Euros problems, are now the largest buyers of Central London property.

We have Italian speaking lawyers and a highly skilled conveyancing team that can assist. Contact Giovanni Lombardo.

Concerned About the Financial Health of an Elderly Relative or Friend?

Care funding options have yet again come under Government scrutiny, and many people are rightly concerned about pending changes in this area following the publication of the well received Dilnot Report and the Government White Paper due to be published this Spring. As a result, wealth protection has never been more important.

We can advise on the following:

• Undue influence, gifts given by the elderly
• Property rights
• Tax advice (we work with excellent accountants at reasonable rates)
• LPAs
• Deputyship applications
• Assessed assets
• Statutory wills
• Long term care funding

If you have worries about any of these issues contact Prue Abrahams.

New Calls for Dignity Code When Caring For the Elderly

A national pensioners’ organisation has recently called for a new and mandatory code, ‘The Dignity Code’ to be applied when caring for the elderly in care homes.

If you have any concerns regarding the standard of care and treatment that you feel that a loved one in such a home is receiving contact Prue Abrahams.

Senior Sun Journalists Arrested By Met In Connection With Ongoing Corruption Inquiry

Rupert Murdoch tackles a new dilemma as five senior journalists at the Sun are arrested and held in a police corruption inquiry: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/feb/12/murdoch-fresh-crisis-sun-arrests

We have successfully defended many individuals facing serious corruption/bribery prosecutions.

Contact Jeffrey Lewis or Siobhain Egan.

First Time Buyers Return to Property Market

See the following article in the Telegraph published on 10 February 2012:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/9071920/First-time-buyers-return-to-property-market.html#.TzgjT2W_PcM.email

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