He recently represented an international company in an Account Freezing Order case brought by the National Crime Agency, where £22 million was frozen in a bank account. This case is widely considered to be the highest value contested Account Freezing Order case heard in England and Wales.
Hine Solicitors carries out “City” quality work but prides itself on being able to offer more economic fee structures for clients than firms based in central London. Consequently, we are well placed to represent individuals facing frozen bank accounts and other financial crime cases. We are mindful that these types of cases often have an instant and highly restricting effect on a client’s financial resources and bear this in mind with our fees structure as well as acting with speed when instructed to resolve matters as quickly as possible.
We are able to offer fixed-fee initial consultations. The consultation will help you understand your position and allow you to make an informed decision about what action to take in your case. We will be able to advise on what further work may be required, potential outcomes, prospects of success and provide bespoke quotations for the work that may be required.
Please contact us if you would like to speak to a specialist financial crime solicitor.
We advise across the following areas of white collar and financial crime. Further detail is set out on each area’s own page.
Section 303Z1 Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 permits certain agencies, including the Police, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the National Crime Agency (NCA), to apply to freeze accounts held with a bank, building society, e-money provider or payment institution where balances exceed £1,000 if the funds are suspected to be either the proceeds of criminal conduct or intended for use in unlawful conduct.
Forfeiture Proceedings frequently involve complicated concepts and the case law surrounding this area is nuanced and highly technical. It is therefore important to instruct lawyers who are experienced in this field of work and have a detailed knowledge of the law. Our team has a track record of success, achieving good results for our clients and in some cases being able to settle cases prior to a full forfeiture hearing.
In the case of a defendant who has previously been subject to Proceed of Crime Act Proceedings and had a Confiscation Order made against, Section 22 Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 permits the Prosecution to apply to the Court, to recalculate the “available amount.” If the available amount is found to be greater than the amount calculated at the time of making the initial Confiscation Order, the Court can vary the original Confiscation order.
If as an individual or a company you face a criminal investigation or prosecution, it can be a difficult period. We are here to help and can advise you on a number of areas such as Cash Seizure, Restraint Orders, Confiscation Proceedings and Tax & VAT Fraud.
Do I need a specialist solicitor for a white collar crime case?
These cases frequently turn on complicated and technical points of law, and matters can progress quickly once an investigating agency is involved. It is important to instruct a solicitor with detailed knowledge of the law who practises regularly in this area. Our department is led by a Partner who acted in what is widely considered the highest value contested Account Freezing Order case heard in England and Wales.
What happens once I instruct you?
We begin by reviewing the papers you have received and the history of the matter to date, before advising you on the options available to you and the likely next steps.
How quickly should I get advice?
As soon as possible. These cases can progress quickly, particularly where an account has already been frozen or a Court application is imminent, and early advice gives greater scope to act before a hearing takes place.
Will my case go to court?
Not always. Where possible, we seek to resolve matters by agreement with the agency concerned, and we have settled cases before they reached a full hearing, including forfeiture proceedings. Where agreement cannot be achieved, we represent clients in Court and prepare each case fully in advance.
Do I need a City law firm to get City quality advice?
No. We carry out the same standard of work as firms based in central London but offer more economic fee structures, which matters where a client’s financial resources are already under pressure.
Can you help if my case is urgent?
Yes. We recognise that these matters, particularly frozen accounts, often require an immediate response, and we act with speed once instructed.
Can you help my business as well as me personally?
Yes. We act for both individuals and companies in white collar crime cases, including businesses facing investigation into their financial affairs, and we have strong links with accountants and other experts in this field who assist in preparing your defence.
Will I be kept updated on how my case is progressing?
Yes. We keep clients informed of developments at each stage of their case, and you will have a clear point of contact throughout.