Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 / The Time Best Law Firms 2026 / 40+ Years of Expert Legal Practice in London
Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 / The Time Best Law Firms 2026 / 40+ Years of Expert Legal Practice in London
Recognised as a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 and included in The Times Best Law Firms 2026, Lewis Nedas Law advises individuals, company directors and businesses facing investigations and prosecutions brought by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) throughout London and England & Wales.
If you have received a Section 2 notice, been arrested, invited to attend an interview or become aware that you or your company is under SFO investigation, obtaining specialist legal advice at the earliest opportunity is essential. Contact our solicitors on +44 20 7387 2032 or complete our online enquiry form for confidential legal advice.
Call +44 20 7387 2032 Make a Confidential EnquirySerious Fraud Office investigations are among the most complex criminal investigations conducted in England and Wales. The SFO investigates and prosecutes the most serious cases of fraud, bribery and corruption, typically involving substantial sums, corporate defendants or matters of significant public interest.
SFO cases frequently involve enormous volumes of documentary material, digital evidence, financial analysis and expert reports, and investigations can continue for years before any charging decision is made. Many cases run alongside parallel investigations by HMRC, the Financial Conduct Authority, the National Crime Agency or overseas authorities.
Our solicitors advise clients throughout every stage of an SFO investigation, from the first Section 2 notice or dawn raid through to interviews, charging decisions, court proceedings and any associated asset recovery proceedings.
Lewis Nedas Law is recognised for its work in serious fraud and financial crime. Our credentials include:
Recognised as a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026
Included in The Times Best Law Firms 2026
More than 40 years' experience in criminal defence
Partner-led representation from the outset
Extensive experience defending SFO investigations and serious fraud prosecutions
Close collaboration with leading King's Counsel, forensic accountants and digital forensic experts
Every investigation is assessed on its own facts. Our advice is based on the available evidence, the applicable law and your individual circumstances.
The SFO is an independent prosecuting authority responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious or complex fraud, bribery and corruption. Its cases commonly involve allegations concerning:
Serious and complex fraud
Bribery and corruption
Corporate misconduct
Investment fraud affecting large numbers of victims
Money laundering connected to serious fraud
False accounting and market misconduct
The SFO investigates both companies and individuals, and cases frequently involve directors, senior executives and professionals alongside corporate defendants.
The SFO has powers under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1987 to compel individuals and organisations to produce documents and answer questions. Failing to comply with a Section 2 notice without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence, and the rules on privilege, self-incrimination and the use of compelled material are highly technical.
Our solicitors advise recipients of Section 2 notices on their obligations, protect privileged material and prepare clients thoroughly before any compelled interview.
SFO investigations may involve search warrants executed at business or residential premises, seizure of computers and devices, Restraint Orders and Account Freezing Orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
If premises are searched or assets are frozen, immediate legal advice is essential. Our solicitors attend raids where possible, review the lawfulness of warrants and orders, and advise on challenge and variation.
Lewis Nedas Law has extensive experience representing clients facing SFO investigations and serious fraud prosecutions. Our work includes advising company directors, senior executives, professionals and businesses in high-value fraud investigations, bribery and corruption enquiries, multi-defendant prosecutions and cases involving parallel regulatory and international proceedings.
Our specialist team includes Jeffrey Lewis, Siobhain Egan, Miles Herman and Keith Wood, all of whom have substantial experience defending clients in serious fraud and complex financial crime cases. Where appropriate, they work alongside leading King's Counsel, forensic accountants and digital forensic experts to provide comprehensive legal representation.
If you receive a Section 2 notice, are arrested or become aware of an SFO investigation:
Obtain specialist legal advice immediately
Do not ignore statutory notices or deadlines
Preserve relevant documents and electronic records
Seek advice before attending any interview, whether compelled or under caution
Avoid discussing the investigation with colleagues or third parties without legal advice
Early legal advice enables your solicitor to assess the investigation, explain your legal obligations and develop an appropriate strategy.
Contact a solicitor experienced in SFO investigations before responding to any notice, producing documents or attending any interview.
Your solicitor will identify the nature and scope of the investigation, whether it concerns fraud, bribery, corruption, money laundering or related corporate misconduct.
Compelled production and interview notices carry strict legal obligations. Your solicitor will explain your duties, protect privileged material and advise on the correct response.
Retain financial records, emails, contracts, board papers, messages and devices. Do not delete, alter or dispose of material that may be relevant to the investigation.
If a search warrant is executed, contact your solicitor immediately. The lawfulness and scope of the warrant, and the handling of privileged material, should be reviewed without delay.
Whether an interview is compelled under Section 2 or conducted under caution, preparation is critical. Your solicitor will review the available material and advise on the appropriate approach.
If assets are restrained or frozen, your solicitor will assess the legal basis of the order and consider whether it can be challenged or varied.
SFO enquiries may run alongside investigations by HMRC, the FCA, the NCA or overseas authorities. Your solicitor will coordinate strategy across related proceedings.
Where appropriate, your solicitor may submit written representations to the SFO or, for corporate clients, advise on cooperation and the potential availability of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement.
If charges are brought, your legal team will prepare your defence, manage the substantial disclosure exercise, instruct specialist King's Counsel where appropriate and represent you throughout the proceedings.
A statutory notice under the Criminal Justice Act 1987 compelling the production of documents or attendance at an interview. Non-compliance without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence.
Compelled interviews carry legal obligations, but strict rules govern how answers can be used. Take specialist advice before attending.
Yes. The SFO can seek Restraint Orders and other measures under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
No. Many investigations conclude without charge, and each case is assessed on its own evidence.
Yes. We advise individuals and businesses across London and throughout England and Wales.
If you or your company is facing an SFO investigation, a Section 2 notice, a dawn raid or a serious fraud prosecution, obtaining specialist legal advice at the earliest opportunity can make a significant difference.
Lewis Nedas Law is recognised as a Legal 500 Leading Firm 2026 and included in The Times Best Law Firms 2026. Our experienced serious fraud solicitors advise individuals, company directors and businesses throughout London and across England and Wales.
Depending on the nature of your case, your matter may be handled by Jeffrey Lewis, Siobhain Egan, Miles Herman or Keith Wood, each of whom has extensive experience in serious fraud and complex financial crime investigations.
To speak with a member of our specialist team, call +44 20 7387 2032 or complete our online enquiry form to arrange a confidential consultation.
Call +44 20 7387 2032 Arrange a Confidential Consultation