Keith Wood

PARTNER

Specialisation: Keith is a specialist in all aspects of crime and has particular expertise in fraud, money laundering, murder and other serious offences and road traffic matters. Keith has extensive experience of advising clients facing investigations by Special Casework Unit of the CPS, Revenue and Customs, Fraud Squad and investigations by the Military police. Has represented defendants in a number of high profile and complex investigations: Operation Marmot (The Baybasin gang) Operation Seward (Yilmaz and others), Conspiracy to Blackmail (the Queens Park Rangers case) in which he represented the defendant David Morris who was aquitted of all charges concerning an alleged incident involving Gianni Paladini; represented the only defendant aquitted of conspiracy to Murder in a “cut throat” defence.

Very experienced criminal practitioner – covering wide range of matters including Serious Fraud, HMR&C investigations, Military Police Investigations and also Environmental prosecutions and regulatory matters. Experienced defender in Road Traffic matters.  Ranked in Chambers and Partners.

Recent and current cases:

  • R v Yilmaz and others – re trial on a massive conspiracy to supply heroin
  • Operation Sunbird – £15million fraud on the Royal bank of Scotland involving  missing traders
  • Instructed in Operation Eaglewood – multi handed complex drugs and money laundering investigation . 22 defendants currently charged – estimated value of the activity in excess of £100million
  • Represented only defendant to be acquitted in multi handed murder trial at the CCC.
  • Represented David Morris , tried and acquitted of the alleged kidnap of Gianni Paladini at Queens Park Rangers football Club
  • Represented two defendants in a complex kidnap blackmail and fraud matter, the prosecution of which was ultimately withdrawn in which the victim was a solicitor heavily involved in the London City Bond fraud case
  • Acted for a member of the “Baybasin” gang
  • Instructed in a multi handed mortgage fraud.
  • Recently instructed to defend former employee charge in a substantial tax credit fraud in which it is alleged that several thousand identities have been hi jacked and claims altered with the loss estimated in the region of £1m
  • R v. Darren Cash [2004] EWCA Crim 666 (Fresh evidence appeal leading to a conviction being set aside)

Professional Memberships: LCCSA.

Career: Qualified 1996. Joined Lewis Nedas in 2002. Supervisor for VHCC cases.

Personal: Born January 1970, Educated at Hull University and College of Law. Resides Surrey.