Fraud Offences We Defend
Corporate Fraud
Corporate fraud allegations can arise within businesses of every size and frequently involve claims of dishonesty, abuse of position or financial misrepresentation.
Cases may include allegations involving:
- False accounting
- Fraud by abuse of position
- Fraud by false representation
- Director misconduct
- Procurement fraud
- Employee dishonesty
Corporate investigations often involve extensive disclosure material and detailed financial analysis. Our solicitors advise company directors, senior employees and business owners facing criminal or regulatory scrutiny.
Banking and Financial Fraud
Banking fraud investigations often involve allegations of obtaining money, credit or financial advantage through dishonest means.
These cases may include:
- Loan fraud
- Investment fraud
- Advance fee fraud
- Financial misrepresentation
- Insider allegations
- Complex multi-jurisdiction investigations
Many financial fraud cases involve digital evidence, banking records and communication analysis. We carefully examine the prosecution evidence for inconsistencies, procedural failings and evidential weaknesses.
Money Laundering Offences
Money laundering allegations are frequently linked to wider fraud investigations and can arise even where no direct fraud allegation is brought against the individual.
A prosecution may involve claims that a person:
- Concealed criminal property
- Entered into an arrangement involving criminal property
- Acquired or possessed criminal property
These cases often involve restrained assets, frozen bank accounts and cross-border financial investigations.
Our solicitors advise clients during investigations by HMRC, the NCA and other agencies, providing practical advice aimed at protecting assets and challenging allegations effectively.
Mortgage Fraud Defence
Mortgage fraud cases commonly involve allegations relating to income declarations, property valuations, lending applications or investment arrangements.
Investigations may target:
- Property developers
- Brokers
- Solicitors
- Accountants
- Buyers and investors
These cases are often document-intensive and may involve multiple defendants. Our fraud defence lawyers conduct detailed reviews of financial records, lender documentation and communication evidence.
Tax Fraud and HMRC Investigations
HMRC investigations can lead to criminal prosecution, financial penalties, confiscation proceedings and reputational damage.
We advise clients facing allegations involving:
- VAT fraud
- Carousel fraud
- Tax evasion
- Duty evasion
- False accounting
- Fraudulent tax repayment claims
Our solicitors regularly represent individuals and businesses responding to HMRC criminal investigations and interviews under caution.
Early legal representation can significantly affect the direction and outcome of a tax fraud investigation.
Online Fraud and Cybercrime Allegations
Online fraud investigations continue to increase as financial crime becomes more technologically sophisticated.
Cases may involve allegations of:
- Phishing fraud
- Identity fraud
- Online payment fraud
- Cryptocurrency fraud
- Hacking-related financial offences
- Fraudulent online trading
Digital evidence plays a central role in these prosecutions. We work with specialist experts where required to analyse devices, communication records and electronic evidence.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud allegations can arise from motor claims, personal injury claims, business interruption claims and property damage cases.
Insurers frequently conduct detailed investigations before referring cases for criminal prosecution.
Our fraud solicitors defend clients accused of:
- Staged accidents
- Exaggerated claims
- False documentation
- Fraudulent injury claims
- “Cash for crash” allegations
We carefully assess the insurer’s evidence, surveillance material and financial records to identify weaknesses within the prosecution case.
Benefit and Claimant Fraud
Benefit fraud and claimant fraud investigations may involve allegations of false representations, undeclared income or inaccurate applications.
These investigations are often conducted by:
- The Department for Work and Pensions
- Local authorities
- HMRC
A conviction can carry serious financial and professional consequences. We advise clients throughout interviews, investigations and court proceedings.
Fraud Investigations and Early Legal Advice
Many fraud cases are won or lost long before trial.
Early legal advice allows solicitors to:
- Prepare clients for interviews under caution
- Challenge search warrants
- Respond to disclosure requests
- Protect privileged material
- Address restraint and freezing orders
- Control communication with investigators
Individuals contacted by HMRC, the SFO, the FCA or police investigators should seek immediate legal representation before answering questions or providing documentation.
Even seemingly informal requests for information can have significant legal consequences.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Fraud Investigation
Step 1: Obtain Immediate Legal Advice
If you are contacted by investigators, receive a court order or are invited to an interview under caution, seek legal advice immediately.
Do not answer substantive questions without representation.
Step 2: Review the Allegations
Our solicitors examine the nature of the allegations, the investigating authority and the available evidence.
This allows us to identify immediate risks and defence priorities.
Step 3: Preserve Documents and Electronic Evidence
Fraud cases often depend on documentation and digital communications.
Preserving records correctly is essential.
Step 4: Representation During Interviews and Investigations
We advise clients throughout interviews under caution, compelled disclosure requests and ongoing investigations.
Strategic preparation at this stage can significantly affect the outcome of the case.
Step 5: Detailed Defence Preparation
Our fraud defence lawyers analyse financial material, communication records, disclosure evidence and expert reports.
Where necessary, we instruct forensic accountants and specialist experts.
Step 6: Court Representation
If charges are brought, we provide robust representation in the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and appellate courts.
Asset Freezing Orders and Confiscation Proceedings
Fraud investigations are frequently accompanied by financial restraint measures.
Authorities may seek:
- Account Freezing Orders
- Restraint Orders
- Cash Seizure Orders
- Confiscation Proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act
These orders can severely disrupt businesses and personal finances.
Lewis Nedas Law advises clients on challenging financial restrictions and protecting legitimate assets during criminal investigations.
Why Choose Lewis Nedas Law?
Lewis Nedas Law is recognised in Legal 500 and The Times Best Law Firms for criminal defence representation.
Our fraud defence solicitors are instructed in both straightforward and highly complex financial crime cases because we provide:
- Strategic legal advice from the earliest stage
- Detailed case analysis
- Experienced criminal defence advocacy
- Representation during SFO and HMRC investigations
- Careful handling of reputational concerns
- Strong courtroom representation
We understand that fraud allegations can affect every aspect of a client’s personal and professional life. Our approach is discreet, thorough and focused on achieving the strongest possible outcome.
Fraud Defence Solicitors Acting Across London and Nationwide
Our fraud lawyers represent clients across:
- London
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Manchester
- Cardiff
- England and Wales
Appointments are available in person, by telephone and by video consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am accused of fraud?
Seek legal advice immediately and avoid answering questions without a solicitor present.
Can I challenge an Account Freezing Order?
Yes. Orders can sometimes be challenged where there is insufficient evidence or procedural unfairness.
Will I go to prison for fraud?
Sentences vary depending on the allegation, financial value, planning and level of involvement.
What agencies investigate fraud offences?
Investigations may involve HMRC, the SFO, the FCA, the NCA or specialist police units.
Do I need a solicitor during an interview under caution?
Yes. Early legal representation can protect your position and prevent avoidable mistakes.
Contact our Fraud Defence Lawyers in London
If you are facing investigation or prosecution for fraud or financial crime offences, contact Lewis Nedas Law today.
Call 020 4572 1313 for immediate legal advice or complete our online contact form.
Our experienced fraud defence solicitors are ready to protect your rights, your reputation and your future.
