2 Bedford Row is ‘an outstanding set’ with a broad range of counsel prosecuting and defending for clients in high-level criminal fraud matters. Simon Baker KC represented the alleged primary administrator of caller ID spoofing website iSpoof.cc, which reportedly was used to facilitate over £43m of fraud against British victims carried by impersonating banks and public bodies. Numerous members, including Baker KC and Kevin Toomey, among others, represented various defendants in a case stemming from “Operation Ark”, an eight-year prosecution for allegedly mis-sold heating systems – all defendants were acquitted after the prosecution submitted no evidence after disclosure failings were identified. Mark Milliken-Smith KC, as was, was appointed as a Circuit Judge in December 2023.
Fraud: crime in
London Bar
2 Bedford Row
Les références
‘John Grimmer is a top clerk and runs a very effective and efficient clerks’ room. Paul Rodgers and Tom Powell are always on hand to assist and accommodate instructing solicitors.’
‘John Grimmer and Paul Rodgers are well liked by solicitors and continue to be viewed as two of the best, but all the way down to the most junior the clerks pull out all the stops to provide the service solicitors deserve.’
‘Joe Martin is a good clerk and is always friendly and efficient. He will do what he can to assist.’
Principaux dossiers
2 Hare Court
2 Hare Court is a ‘leading set for white-collar work’ offering ‘the cream of the crop of criminal barristers’. Jonathan Laidlaw KC is ‘simply one of the greatest advocates around’ who is regularly instructed by high-profile clients. Brendan Kelly KC remains involved in the SFO’s investigation into London Capital and Finance, which is alleged to have been a Ponzi scheme, while David Whittaker KC has recently acted alone for a consultant surgeon accused of billing insurance companies for more complex procedures than the ones he actually undertook. Private prosecutions are a key area of expertise for the set's members.
Les références
‘Julian Campbell is one of the best senior clerks around – he really takes the time to get to know you and how you operate and who your clients are and is great at matching barristers to the work.’
‘Jack Shah is a standout clerk who is always willing to assist.’
‘Chloe Skingsley is a top rate clerk. She is trustworthy and efficient and her knowledge of the market is exceptional.’
Principaux dossiers
25 Bedford Row
25 Bedford Row is a leading criminal defence set with ‘a huge depth of talent dealing with fraud cases’. George Carter-Stephenson KC has considerable experience defending in complex fraud cases – he represented a struck-off solicitor in the criminal case concerning the collapse of the Axiom Legal Financing Fund, which claimed to be funding litigation. In 2022 Nicola Howard KC, ‘a superb jury advocate’, defended a case involved an international confidence fraud orchestrated by a film producer. Nathaniel Rudolf KC defended in a case concerning an alleged boiler room fraud, involving purported investments in payday loans and diamonds.
Les références
‘Guy Williams ensures that the clerks’ room runs like clockwork. He is backed up by the very capable Emma Makepeace and also Alfie Lee. The good thing about this set is that if one clerk is not available then the other clerks can assist you just the same. The service is just so seamless.’
‘The clerks’ room operates as an efficient team well led by Guy Williams. Alfie Lee is a standout performer – a genuine old-school ‘rainmaker’ with an abundance of talent, insight, charm and instinct far in excess of his years. He is a shining star who gets on well with all stakeholders through his vitality, knowledge and effervescence.’
‘Emma Makepeace is a real standout clerk. She is a class act.’
Principaux dossiers
QEB Hollis Whiteman
QEB Hollis Whiteman is one of the leading financial crime sets in London, particularly known for its prosecution work and widely praised for its ‘real strength in depth’. Sean Larkin KC is a standout silk recently instructed by the SFO to prosecute a former biodiesel trader for fraud and money laundering offences allegedly committed while he was an employee of Greenergy (which is not a defendant). Polly Dyer , ‘a great advocate’, has recently represented a retired army colonel who was acquitted on fraud charges, after having been accused of failing to disclose information about his family arrangements while claiming continuity of education allowance payments - the case was heard through the civilian justice system rather than a court-martial.
Les références
‘Chris Emmings leads a very good team very well.’
‘Sam Window is exceptionally helpful.’
‘The clerks at QEB are very good and Chris Emmings in particular is very helpful.’
Principaux dossiers
Cloth Fair Chambers
Cloth Fair Chambers is a ‘leading set for white-collar defence work’, hosting both silks and juniors ‘at the top of the game’. John Kelsey-Fry KC has recently been involved in several high-profile cases, including for a defendant in the SFO’s case against the Balli Group for alleged fraud offences committed by its steel trading platform. Alison Pople KC, ‘excellent at navigating tricky legal and ethical issues’, has recently represented an entrepreneur in relation to a charge of eight counts of cheating the public revenue by way of VAT fraud. Rhys Meggy brings his considerable experience in complex international fraud cases to chambers from QEB Hollis Whiteman.
Les références
‘Olivia Filby-Barnett in particular is a sensible and practical clerk.’
‘Cloth Fair is full of barristers, both silks and juniors, who are at the top of the game. They represent the very best talent at the criminal and regulatory bar. There are no weaknesses – all members are first rate.’
‘Cloth Fair remains a go-to set for complex financial crime matters.’
Principaux dossiers
Red Lion Chambers
Red Lion Chambers is widely seen as ‘one of the leading sets for serious and complex fraud work’ with ‘an array of talented counsel’. Gillian Jones KC, a ‘quick-thinking, fluent and penetrating advocate’, has recently been instructed to defend an individual alleged to have orchestrated a £50m international Ponzi scheme using a corporate vehicle, namely forex trading firm Capital World Markets, to attract investors. Felicia Davy is a ‘fearless and commanding advocate’ who regularly prosecutes and defends both individuals and corporate clients in relation to major fraud and money laundering offences.
Les références
‘Mark Bennett is everything you would want in a clerk. He is simply superb.’
‘The clerks’ room is a friendly and busy one and Mark Bennett knows the business inside out and has excellent support from Nick Parkinson, Lee Young and Chris Jones.’
‘The stand out is Nick Parkinson, who really has a good understanding of the regulatory regime and the needs of clients.’
Principaux dossiers
Three Raymond Buildings
Three Raymond Buildings is widely considered as having a strong range of criminal silks, many of them active in heavyweight fraud cases. Helen Malcolm KC’s broad experience includes complex and high-value tax fraud cases, while Richard Wormald KC has recently acted for the first defendant in an international £150m cash couriering fraud, involving the alleged use of the hawala system to transfer criminal funds to Dubai. Ben Summers’ ‘methodical, intelligent, and highly strategic approach to the presentation of cases’ is valued by his clients.
Les références
‘The clerking at 3 Raymond Buildings is unrivalled. Nothing is too much trouble. Dean Brown is knowledgeable, courteous and extremely able. He really is very, very good at what he does.’
‘Eddie Holland, Dean Brown and Chris Feathers are always helpful and ready to assist.’
‘Eddie Holland and Dean Brown are brilliant. They not only accommodate any specific needs, but are excellent at identifying the right barrister for the right case.’
Principaux dossiers
23ES
23ES has several strong silks that regularly defend and prosecute in big fraud and money laundering cases. Cairns Nelson KC stands out as an experienced financial crime specialist whose ‘light touch with witnesses makes for effective cross-examination'. Tom Godfrey is active in high-profile cases of alleged VAT fraud, with other members of chambers having experience in matters prosecuted by trading standards authorities and alleged Ponzi schemes.
Les références
‘Wayne King is enthusiastic, hard working and popular both within chambers and with clients and other clerks.’
‘Adam Chapman is excellent; efficient, courteous and he leads the rest of the room by example.’
‘Liam Kitcher goes out of his way to assist and is friendly and easy going.’
Principaux dossiers
33 Chancery Lane
33 Chancery Lane, with an established reputation as a heavyweight financial crime set, is increasingly recognised for the complex fraud expertise of its members, crossing over with the set's track record in confiscation work. Narita Bahra KC is widely praised for her excellent advocacy, ‘on par with any barrister in the country’, while Amanda Pinto KC, acting for the SFO, has recently secured the conviction of two defendants charged with fraudulently operating a Brazilian teak investment scheme, which involved a global Forex investment fraud, complex trust structures, insolvency proceedings, and money laundering issues - both defendants were convicted and sentenced to eleven years.
Les références
‘The clerks’ room, led by Martin Adams, is one of the best around. The clerks provide an excellent bespoke service and are incredibly responsive and collaborative – an absolute pleasure to work with.’
‘Martin Adams is very personable and is always there to help.’
‘Martin Adams and Chris Chiles are a pleasure to deal with.’
Principaux dossiers
Mountford Chambers
Mountford Chambers hosts a ‘fine mix of some of the best barristers in London’ and is fast gaining a strong reputation for its fraud offering. Colin Aylott KC acted for the defence in a case involving two directors of peer-to-peer lending platform Collateral (UK) Limited, who are alleged to have fraudulently claimed to investors that the platform was regulated by the FCA – the two brothers received sentences totalling eight years. Alexandra Scott, ‘a thoughtful, clear and concise advocate’, has considerable experience in relation to a variety of fraud, money laundering and trading standards offences.
Les références
‘The clerks’ room is a well-oiled machine. Ben Heaviside, Dean Allen, Jordan Wescott, Nathan Warren and Orla O’Sullivan are readily available to deal with any enquiries and provide support where needed. They are happy to arrange conferences at chambers and offer impeccable client care.’
‘Mountford is gaining in strength.’
‘Mountford Chambers is an extremely skilled set. They offer impeccable service and a group of counsel who are intelligent and legally astute. They are always on hand to offer assistance and are proactive in their approach with the courts.’
Principaux dossiers
Doughty Street Chambers
Doughty Street Chambers is widely recognised for its strong criminal fraud offering, and several members of chambers regularly appear in complex and high-profile cases. Richard Fisher KC is ‘an excellent jury advocate’ with a broad practice who has recently represented both corporates and individuals in relation to investigations into overclaims under the government’s Coronavirus furlough scheme. Peter Caldwell is a cryptocurrency fraud expert and recently defended a client against allegations of conspiring to defraud Bitcoin wallet holders using a combination of copycat websites, virtual private networks, and servers based in Ukraine.
Les références
“Matthew Butchard and his clerking team provide an excellent service. Matthew’s responsiveness, commercial awareness and his commitment to meeting the demands of his solicitors sets him apart and he is one the leading clerks in the country.’
‘Matt Butchard can be completely relied upon to match up the best counsel to any client-case combination.’
‘An exceptional chambers.’
Principaux dossiers
Foundry Chambers
With ‘a number of very good individuals specialising in fraud’, Foundry Chambers is widely praised as ‘an excellent set’. James Waddington KC has an ‘ability to grasp complex financial facts extremely quickly’ and continues to act in relation to the SFO’s investigation into London Capital and Finance plc. In 2022, Jason Sugarman KC, leading Jessica Tate, defended in a case concerning a boiler room mis-selling rights to mine in Ecuador – the defendant received a suspended sentence. Benjamin Waidhofer , ‘a force to be reckoned with’, recently represented a person who falsely claimed to head the trading desk at Bank of America, convincing members of the public to invest in non-existent products; following his first police interview, the defendant confessed to a second set of frauds on life insurers, falsely claiming to be terminally ill to claim payouts on several policies.
Les références
‘The clerks are all brilliant. Daniel Blackman is particularly noteworthy. He goes above and beyond and is always positive and prompt with his responses.’
‘Angela May, Dean Begley and Daniel Blackman are approachable and always available to speak to. The clerking system is well oiled and they are always a step ahead.’
‘Foundry chambers is a leading set in the area of fraud with a variety of counsel who specialise in this field.’
Principaux dossiers
Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers is a ‘premier set of chambers’ that attracts high-profile fraud work. On an ad hoc admission in that jurisdiction, Tim Owen KC, ‘as strong strategically as he is legally’, has recently advised and represented Chinese businessman Jack Chen in relation to fraud charges brought against him by the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption as a result of purchases made by a company of his of dairy farms in New Zealand. Vedrana Pehar, a ‘clear and direct’ advocate, has recently defended a key director and gold dealer in a £266m money laundering case.
Les références
‘Paul Venables and Samantha Blake are both extremely responsive, and go above and beyond in discussions on both timetables and fees.’
‘The clerks are excellent. Paul Venables and Rhian Hiscocks are both a pleasure to work with.’
‘Matrix is a premier set of chambers attracting the most high-profile work.’
Principaux dossiers
2 Bedford Row
Les références
‘John Grimmer is a top clerk and runs a very effective and efficient clerks’ room. Paul Rodgers and Tom Powell are always on hand to assist and accommodate instructing solicitors.’
‘John Grimmer and Paul Rodgers are well liked by solicitors and continue to be viewed as two of the best, but all the way down to the most junior the clerks pull out all the stops to provide the service solicitors deserve.’
‘Joe Martin is a good clerk and is always friendly and efficient. He will do what he can to assist.’
Principaux dossiers
2 Hare Court
2 Hare Court is a ‘leading set for white-collar work’ offering ‘the cream of the crop of criminal barristers’. Jonathan Laidlaw KC is ‘simply one of the greatest advocates around’ who is regularly instructed by high-profile clients. Brendan Kelly KC remains involved in the SFO’s investigation into London Capital and Finance, which is alleged to have been a Ponzi scheme, while David Whittaker KC has recently acted alone for a consultant surgeon accused of billing insurance companies for more complex procedures than the ones he actually undertook. Private prosecutions are a key area of expertise for the set's members.
Les références
‘Julian Campbell is one of the best senior clerks around – he really takes the time to get to know you and how you operate and who your clients are and is great at matching barristers to the work.’
‘Jack Shah is a standout clerk who is always willing to assist.’
‘Chloe Skingsley is a top rate clerk. She is trustworthy and efficient and her knowledge of the market is exceptional.’
Principaux dossiers
25 Bedford Row
25 Bedford Row is a leading criminal defence set with ‘a huge depth of talent dealing with fraud cases’. George Carter-Stephenson KC has considerable experience defending in complex fraud cases – he represented a struck-off solicitor in the criminal case concerning the collapse of the Axiom Legal Financing Fund, which claimed to be funding litigation. In 2022 Nicola Howard KC, ‘a superb jury advocate’, defended a case involved an international confidence fraud orchestrated by a film producer. Nathaniel Rudolf KC defended in a case concerning an alleged boiler room fraud, involving purported investments in payday loans and diamonds.
Les références
‘Guy Williams ensures that the clerks’ room runs like clockwork. He is backed up by the very capable Emma Makepeace and also Alfie Lee. The good thing about this set is that if one clerk is not available then the other clerks can assist you just the same. The service is just so seamless.’
‘The clerks’ room operates as an efficient team well led by Guy Williams. Alfie Lee is a standout performer – a genuine old-school ‘rainmaker’ with an abundance of talent, insight, charm and instinct far in excess of his years. He is a shining star who gets on well with all stakeholders through his vitality, knowledge and effervescence.’
‘Emma Makepeace is a real standout clerk. She is a class act.’
Principaux dossiers
QEB Hollis Whiteman
QEB Hollis Whiteman is one of the leading financial crime sets in London, particularly known for its prosecution work and widely praised for its ‘real strength in depth’. Sean Larkin KC is a standout silk recently instructed by the SFO to prosecute a former biodiesel trader for fraud and money laundering offences allegedly committed while he was an employee of Greenergy (which is not a defendant). Polly Dyer , ‘a great advocate’, has recently represented a retired army colonel who was acquitted on fraud charges, after having been accused of failing to disclose information about his family arrangements while claiming continuity of education allowance payments - the case was heard through the civilian justice system rather than a court-martial.
Les références
‘Chris Emmings leads a very good team very well.’
‘Sam Window is exceptionally helpful.’
‘The clerks at QEB are very good and Chris Emmings in particular is very helpful.’
Principaux dossiers
Cloth Fair Chambers
Cloth Fair Chambers is a ‘leading set for white-collar defence work’, hosting both silks and juniors ‘at the top of the game’. John Kelsey-Fry KC has recently been involved in several high-profile cases, including for a defendant in the SFO’s case against the Balli Group for alleged fraud offences committed by its steel trading platform. Alison Pople KC, ‘excellent at navigating tricky legal and ethical issues’, has recently represented an entrepreneur in relation to a charge of eight counts of cheating the public revenue by way of VAT fraud. Rhys Meggy brings his considerable experience in complex international fraud cases to chambers from QEB Hollis Whiteman.
Les références
‘Olivia Filby-Barnett in particular is a sensible and practical clerk.’
‘Cloth Fair is full of barristers, both silks and juniors, who are at the top of the game. They represent the very best talent at the criminal and regulatory bar. There are no weaknesses – all members are first rate.’
‘Cloth Fair remains a go-to set for complex financial crime matters.’
Principaux dossiers
Red Lion Chambers
Red Lion Chambers is widely seen as ‘one of the leading sets for serious and complex fraud work’ with ‘an array of talented counsel’. Gillian Jones KC, a ‘quick-thinking, fluent and penetrating advocate’, has recently been instructed to defend an individual alleged to have orchestrated a £50m international Ponzi scheme using a corporate vehicle, namely forex trading firm Capital World Markets, to attract investors. Felicia Davy is a ‘fearless and commanding advocate’ who regularly prosecutes and defends both individuals and corporate clients in relation to major fraud and money laundering offences.
Les références
‘Mark Bennett is everything you would want in a clerk. He is simply superb.’
‘The clerks’ room is a friendly and busy one and Mark Bennett knows the business inside out and has excellent support from Nick Parkinson, Lee Young and Chris Jones.’
‘The stand out is Nick Parkinson, who really has a good understanding of the regulatory regime and the needs of clients.’
Principaux dossiers
Three Raymond Buildings
Three Raymond Buildings is widely considered as having a strong range of criminal silks, many of them active in heavyweight fraud cases. Helen Malcolm KC’s broad experience includes complex and high-value tax fraud cases, while Richard Wormald KC has recently acted for the first defendant in an international £150m cash couriering fraud, involving the alleged use of the hawala system to transfer criminal funds to Dubai. Ben Summers’ ‘methodical, intelligent, and highly strategic approach to the presentation of cases’ is valued by his clients.
Les références
‘The clerking at 3 Raymond Buildings is unrivalled. Nothing is too much trouble. Dean Brown is knowledgeable, courteous and extremely able. He really is very, very good at what he does.’
‘Eddie Holland, Dean Brown and Chris Feathers are always helpful and ready to assist.’
‘Eddie Holland and Dean Brown are brilliant. They not only accommodate any specific needs, but are excellent at identifying the right barrister for the right case.’
Principaux dossiers
23ES
23ES has several strong silks that regularly defend and prosecute in big fraud and money laundering cases. Cairns Nelson KC stands out as an experienced financial crime specialist whose ‘light touch with witnesses makes for effective cross-examination'. Tom Godfrey is active in high-profile cases of alleged VAT fraud, with other members of chambers having experience in matters prosecuted by trading standards authorities and alleged Ponzi schemes.
Les références
‘Wayne King is enthusiastic, hard working and popular both within chambers and with clients and other clerks.’
‘Adam Chapman is excellent; efficient, courteous and he leads the rest of the room by example.’
‘Liam Kitcher goes out of his way to assist and is friendly and easy going.’
Principaux dossiers
33 Chancery Lane
33 Chancery Lane, with an established reputation as a heavyweight financial crime set, is increasingly recognised for the complex fraud expertise of its members, crossing over with the set's track record in confiscation work. Narita Bahra KC is widely praised for her excellent advocacy, ‘on par with any barrister in the country’, while Amanda Pinto KC, acting for the SFO, has recently secured the conviction of two defendants charged with fraudulently operating a Brazilian teak investment scheme, which involved a global Forex investment fraud, complex trust structures, insolvency proceedings, and money laundering issues - both defendants were convicted and sentenced to eleven years.
Les références
‘The clerks’ room, led by Martin Adams, is one of the best around. The clerks provide an excellent bespoke service and are incredibly responsive and collaborative – an absolute pleasure to work with.’
‘Martin Adams is very personable and is always there to help.’
‘Martin Adams and Chris Chiles are a pleasure to deal with.’
Principaux dossiers
Mountford Chambers
Mountford Chambers hosts a ‘fine mix of some of the best barristers in London’ and is fast gaining a strong reputation for its fraud offering. Colin Aylott KC acted for the defence in a case involving two directors of peer-to-peer lending platform Collateral (UK) Limited, who are alleged to have fraudulently claimed to investors that the platform was regulated by the FCA – the two brothers received sentences totalling eight years. Alexandra Scott, ‘a thoughtful, clear and concise advocate’, has considerable experience in relation to a variety of fraud, money laundering and trading standards offences.
Les références
‘The clerks’ room is a well-oiled machine. Ben Heaviside, Dean Allen, Jordan Wescott, Nathan Warren and Orla O’Sullivan are readily available to deal with any enquiries and provide support where needed. They are happy to arrange conferences at chambers and offer impeccable client care.’
‘Mountford is gaining in strength.’
‘Mountford Chambers is an extremely skilled set. They offer impeccable service and a group of counsel who are intelligent and legally astute. They are always on hand to offer assistance and are proactive in their approach with the courts.’
Principaux dossiers
Doughty Street Chambers
Doughty Street Chambers is widely recognised for its strong criminal fraud offering, and several members of chambers regularly appear in complex and high-profile cases. Richard Fisher KC is ‘an excellent jury advocate’ with a broad practice who has recently represented both corporates and individuals in relation to investigations into overclaims under the government’s Coronavirus furlough scheme. Peter Caldwell is a cryptocurrency fraud expert and recently defended a client against allegations of conspiring to defraud Bitcoin wallet holders using a combination of copycat websites, virtual private networks, and servers based in Ukraine.
Les références
“Matthew Butchard and his clerking team provide an excellent service. Matthew’s responsiveness, commercial awareness and his commitment to meeting the demands of his solicitors sets him apart and he is one the leading clerks in the country.’
‘Matt Butchard can be completely relied upon to match up the best counsel to any client-case combination.’
‘An exceptional chambers.’
Principaux dossiers
Foundry Chambers
With ‘a number of very good individuals specialising in fraud’, Foundry Chambers is widely praised as ‘an excellent set’. James Waddington KC has an ‘ability to grasp complex financial facts extremely quickly’ and continues to act in relation to the SFO’s investigation into London Capital and Finance plc. In 2022, Jason Sugarman KC, leading Jessica Tate, defended in a case concerning a boiler room mis-selling rights to mine in Ecuador – the defendant received a suspended sentence. Benjamin Waidhofer , ‘a force to be reckoned with’, recently represented a person who falsely claimed to head the trading desk at Bank of America, convincing members of the public to invest in non-existent products; following his first police interview, the defendant confessed to a second set of frauds on life insurers, falsely claiming to be terminally ill to claim payouts on several policies.
Les références
‘The clerks are all brilliant. Daniel Blackman is particularly noteworthy. He goes above and beyond and is always positive and prompt with his responses.’
‘Angela May, Dean Begley and Daniel Blackman are approachable and always available to speak to. The clerking system is well oiled and they are always a step ahead.’
‘Foundry chambers is a leading set in the area of fraud with a variety of counsel who specialise in this field.’
Principaux dossiers
Matrix Chambers
Matrix Chambers is a ‘premier set of chambers’ that attracts high-profile fraud work. On an ad hoc admission in that jurisdiction, Tim Owen KC, ‘as strong strategically as he is legally’, has recently advised and represented Chinese businessman Jack Chen in relation to fraud charges brought against him by the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption as a result of purchases made by a company of his of dairy farms in New Zealand. Vedrana Pehar, a ‘clear and direct’ advocate, has recently defended a key director and gold dealer in a £266m money laundering case.
Les références
‘Paul Venables and Samantha Blake are both extremely responsive, and go above and beyond in discussions on both timetables and fees.’
‘The clerks are excellent. Paul Venables and Rhian Hiscocks are both a pleasure to work with.’
‘Matrix is a premier set of chambers attracting the most high-profile work.’