An allegation of money laundering or action under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 can put your finances, reputation and ability to operate under immediate pressure. Early decisions matter, particularly where assets have been restrained or frozen, information has been requested or a criminal or regulatory investigation is under way.
Our anti money laundering and POCA solicitors provide strategic advice and representation during money laundering investigations, prosecutions and related proceeds of crime proceedings. We’ll help you understand the action being taken and how to protect your position.
We support:
individuals facing investigation or prosecution
directors and senior managers
companies and other organisations
regulated professionals
law firms and other professional services businesses
financial services organisations
property owners and investors
trustees and corporate officers
third parties whose assets are affected by an order
insurers supporting an insured individual or organisation
Where the interests of an organisation and its directors, employees or other individuals may diverge, we will identify the issue at an early stage and provide clear advice on representation.
Very experienced fee earners who are very user-friendly and go the extra mile. Good UK-wide coverage.
Legal 500, 2026
The team provides excellent support to partners.
Legal 500, 2026
What stands out most is their deep understanding of the complexities we face in healthcare. They don’t just provide legal representation; they genuinely understand the pressures, sensitivities, and reputational risks. Their commitment to working collaboratively with us—not just as legal representatives but as trusted partners—sets them apart.
Legal 500, 2026
The team demonstrates a thorough grasp of NHS structures and clinical governance. They anticipate potential issues and provide pragmatic solutions, ensuring we are always well-prepared. While the entire team is impressive, certain individuals have made a particularly lasting impact: Dewi Ap-Thomas, Nichola Halpin and Jessica Swift for their meticulous preparation and attention to detail. They are a strong advocate with an innate ability to manage sensitive situations.
Legal 500, 2026
The Team at Weightmans have been very supportive in inquests and healthcare related matters. They are prompt to respond and able to assist even at short notice.
Legal 500, 2026
Money laundering and proceeds of crime cases can involve several agencies, overlapping legal powers and large volumes of financial evidence. They may also develop alongside regulatory, professional disciplinary or wider criminal proceedings.
We can advise and represent you in relation to:
allegations of money laundering
investigations and prosecutions under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002
unexplained wealth orders
restraint orders and applications affecting your assets
account freezing and forfeiture proceedings
cash detention and forfeiture
crypto asset detention and forfeiture
confiscation proceedings following conviction
production orders and requests for disclosure of financial records and electronic devices
interviews under caution
applications to vary or discharge orders
regulatory investigations arising from suspected economic crime
liaison with prosecuting authorities intended to avoid prosecution
court, tribunal and regulatory hearings
A money laundering investigation can have consequences beyond the criminal case. It may lead to professional disciplinary proceedings, reporting obligations, insurance questions or scrutiny from a sector regulator.
We can help you understand how the different strands of an investigation connect and develop a coordinated response.
Where an organisation discovers suspected misconduct internally, we can also conduct a legally privileged internal investigation, assess the available evidence and advise on possible referrals to law enforcement or a regulatory body.
Preventing an issue can be as important as responding to one.
Alongside defence work, we offer anti-money laundering audits and training for regulated organisations. Our audit service includes reviewing risk assessments, policies and procedures, interviewing key personnel, examining files and reporting on findings and recommendations.
Our AML training can cover:
customer due diligence
enhanced due diligence
source of funds and source of wealth
recognising suspicious activity and common warning signs
responding to suspected money laundering
avoiding tipping off
record keeping
ongoing monitoring
All training is tailored to your organisation and your unique circumstances.
Economic crime proceedings can feel complex and intrusive. We explain what is happening, what it means for you and which decisions need to be made.
Our documented services extend from urgent advice following a dawn raid or notification of an investigation through to formal interviews, representations to prosecutors and advocacy at court, tribunal and regulatory hearings.
Money laundering and proceeds of crime matters may involve criminal law, regulatory enforcement, professional discipline, insurance and commercial considerations. We bring the relevant expertise together so that each part of your response supports the wider strategy.
We will examine the evidence, challenge assumptions where appropriate and help you respond in a way that is thorough, proportionate and aligned with your priorities.
About Michael:
Michael is a partner, specialising in financial and business crime. He has represented individuals and corporate bodies subject to investigation and prosecution by organisations including the Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, NCA and CPS and has defended in some of the biggest and high-profile fraud cases prosecuted in this country.
About James:
James is an associate specialising in financial crime and business crime. He has represented companies and individuals subject to investigation and prosecution by organisations and regulatory bodies.
