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Money Laundering & POCA
Money Laundering Solicitor Birmingham – POCA, Restraint & Confiscation Defence
Money laundering allegations often arise alongside fraud, drug trafficking, tax evasion, or organised crime. The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) gives authorities wide powers to restrain assets, compel production of documents, and confiscate property. David Roy has defended in complex money laundering cases and POCA proceedings, including restraint order challenges and confiscation hearings. Call now on 07525 802931 for urgent advice.
Investigating authorities in money laundering cases
Money laundering investigations are conducted by a range of agencies: the National Crime Agency (NCA), the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), HMRC, the FCA, and regional police economic crime units. The NCA has specific responsibility for tackling serious organised crime and money laundering at a national level. Each agency has different powers and the appropriate defence strategy varies accordingly.
Why you need a specialist money laundering solicitor
Money laundering cases are highly technical. The prosecution must prove that property constitutes “criminal property” and that you knew or suspected that fact. Defences often involve complex financial evidence, legitimate business transactions, and arguments about lack of knowledge.
David Roy has acted in substantial fraud and business crime cases that included parallel money laundering charges. He works with forensic accountants and can challenge restraint orders, argue for variation of bail conditions, and present robust confiscation arguments to reduce the recoverable amount.
Key areas of expertise
- Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and failure to disclose: Advising banks, professionals, and businesses on SARs under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and defending against failure to disclose allegations under sections 330 and 331 POCA.
- Restraint orders: Urgent applications to vary or discharge orders to release funds for legal fees or living expenses.
- Confiscation hearings: Challenging the prosecution’s benefit figure, disputing alleged hidden assets, and arguing that the available amount is less than the assessed benefit – to reduce the confiscation order to what can properly be recovered.
- Cash seizure & forfeiture: Representing clients in civil cash forfeiture proceedings under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and the Criminal Finances Act 2017.
Process – from suspicion to court
- Investigation: David advises on SARs, voluntary or compelled interviews, and document disclosure.
- Charge & restraint: If charged, immediate representation at court for bail and to challenge restraint orders.
- Trial: Full defence of the substantive money laundering counts.
- Confiscation: Post‑conviction (or even without conviction) negotiation and representation on benefit, available amount, and default sentences.
Facing a money laundering investigation or restraint order?
Do not delay – restraint orders can freeze your assets within hours. Call David immediately.
Pricing & next steps
Transparent fees for money laundering defence.
David offers fixed fees for initial advice, restraint order applications, and some interview attendances. Complex confiscation cases are charged at reasonable hourly rates – you will know the cost in advance.
Restraint & investigation
David challenges orders, advises on SARs, and defends interviews.
Trial & confiscation
Full representation through trial, confiscation, and any appeals.