Recommended by the Legal 500 and with substantial experience right up to the Supreme Court, Morgan Rose Solicitors is a true heavyweight in criminal defence, corporate fraud and ‘white collar’ crime cases. We frequently handle complex and long-running cases worth millions – and occasionally billions – in value.
Morgan Rose is a leading firm defending in all types of traditional serious fraud matters including banking fraud, insurance fraud, investment fraud, commercial mortgage fraud, benefit fraud, advance fee, Ponzi schemes, contract procurement and illegal share selling. We have a long track record of advising during investigations and defending prosecutions for complex tax fraud including VAT fraud, Missing Trader Intra Community (MTIC) fraud, land banking and cheating HMRC in a diverse range of matters from British Film Scheme investments to Landfill Tax Credits.
The corporate and economic crime team at Morgan Rose is frequently instructed in major inquiries and criminal cases brought by the entire range of investigative agencies including the SFO, HMRC, (former) SOCA, FSA, BIS and the Economic Crime Directorate of City of London of Police. Always at the vanguard in multi-handed investigations for corporate and complex fraud, Morgan Rose has a reputation for tough and expert defending of our clients at every stage of their case. Our proactive approach secures excellent results for our clients.
We represent clients who are under investigation for money laundering, including those who have become unwittingly involved. We regularly see instances of accounts being ‘smurfed’, particularly in large accounts with lots of transactions. The account holder may never be charged with a criminal offence but the authorities want to remove the tainted money and freeze the account. In these situations we can help to vary or set aside the freezing order. When a client is charged with money laundering offences, the Morgan Rose team provides swift and proactive advice to establish the facts and help the client to manage – and defend – the allegations.
Morgan Rose regularly acts for individuals being investigated under the Bribery Act. For directors, there will often be insurance (such as Directors & Officers Insurance) to help with the costs of defence. Bribery allegations can lead to considerable Board-level uncertainty, with the risk of corporate and individual prosecution, director disqualifications, falling share price, disgorgement of profits from the organisation, shareholders and investors and the cost of the investigation, fine and future monitoring. In addition to providing a robust defence to bribery investigations, Morgan Rose can advise on policies and procedures to mitigate the risk of bribery.
The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 allows for the civil recovery of assets through the High Court, and is increasingly seen as a strong alternative to criminal prosecution. The High Court has jurisdiction to make what is known as a “recovery order” that enables the recovery of assets obtained through unlawful conduct. Although the claim is about the assets rather than personal conduct, the underlying allegation is that those assets are either directly the proceeds of unlawful conduct or were obtained through it. Morgan Rose has a team of dedicated lawyers with substantial technical expertise and experience in defending individuals faced with recovery proceedings in both the civil and criminal courts.
The courts have the power, under the Proceeds of Crime Act, to issue a confiscation order to prevent an individual from benefiting from the proceeds of criminal conduct or a ‘criminal lifestyle’. Confiscation proceedings regularly involve complex, technical areas of the law and require a thorough and robust defence. The Morgan Rose criminal defence solicitors have substantial experience in helping individuals to defend confiscation orders and secure a proportionate outcome. If you are facing a confiscation order, our team will be able to quickly assess your case provide an expert and effective defence strategy.
If a professional is charged with an offence it can have a significant impact on both their personal and professional life. From dishonesty charges through to possession of class A drugs, Morgan Rose has a strong track record in helping individuals from all professions to defend charges, prevent the prosecution and enable them to continue practising.
The criminal defence team at Morgan Rose combines a powerful pedigree with an intelligent, supportive and robust approach. Clients receive individual attention and a highly personal approach that is 100% focused on meeting their objectives.
