Defence Against Money Laundering Offences
If you, your company or a member of your staff have been accused of a money laundering offence, it is essential to speak to a solicitor for legal advice as soon as possible. At JMW, our specialist money laundering solicitors will provide the expert guidance you need to launch a strong defence.
Our business crime team have expertise in all aspects of anti-money laundering compliance, and have defended individuals and organisations of all kinds against money laundering charges. Our knowledge in this area is unrivalled among business solicitors, and we will move quickly to defend you against any charges you are facing.
Contact the money laundering solicitors at JMW for a free initial consultation to discuss your situation in more detail. Call us on 0345 872 6666, or complete our online enquiry form to ask for a member of the team to call you back promptly.
On This Page
How JMW Can Help
If you have been accused of money laundering, our solicitors can help by:
- Gathering all the evidence obtained by the investigating bodies
- Speaking to witnesses to get full and frank statements
- Consulting with external professionals, such as accountants and auditors
- Explaining all your options in a clear and concise manner
We have represented clients throughout the UK, and will work in a thorough, non-judgmental manner to fight for your interests as effectively as possible. Thanks to our years of experience in this area of law, we have a high success rate with money laundering cases.
Our focus will be on providing you with guidance at the earliest opportunity, helping you to take swift action and achieve the best possible legal outcome. We also pride ourselves on offering an exceptionally high level of customer care and support throughout the process.
What is Money Laundering?
Money laundering is the process of hiding the true source of cash and other assets obtained through criminal activity.
The definition of money laundering in the UK is wider than in many other countries, and businesses and individuals can be prosecuted for money laundering if handling the proceeds of crime, resulting in very severe punishments and sanctions.
It is important to note that not all money laundering cases involve cash, as prosecutions can be made relating to other assets. There is no minimum monetary value associated with these prosecutions.
FAQs about Money Laundering
- What legislation is designed to prevent money laundering?
There are a number of pieces of legislation concerning money laundering offences that are enforceable in the UK. These include:
- The Terrorism Act
- The Proceeds of Crime Act
- The Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act
- The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act
- Specific Money Laundering Regulations
- Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs)
The nature of the legislation you have been accused of contravening may have an effect on your legal defence and potential outcomes, which is why it is important to seek expert legal advice on these matters.
For more information about how UWOs work, check out our UWO factsheet.
- Which investigative bodies are involved in money laundering cases?
Money laundering cases are routinely handled by the police, HM Revenue and Customs and the Serious Fraud Office, all of which have comprehensive investigative powers when money laundering is suspected.
If you are being scrutinised by any of these investigative bodies as part of a money laundering case, it is important to seek legal representation from a specialist solicitor at the earliest opportunity.
- Can I be prosecuted for failing to disclose my knowledge of another person engaged in money laundering?
Yes. Where a person who receives information in the course of a business knows or suspects that another person is engaged in money laundering and fails to comply with the relevant requirements, they can be prosecuted and can be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, to a fine, or both.
It is essential that you contact the money laundering team at JMW if you are being investigated for such an offence. They will provide expert guidance and help determine whether the person has followed guidelines issued by the FCA or any other supervisory authority, taken reasonable steps and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.
Talk to Us
Get in touch with the money laundering team at JMW by calling us on 0345 872 6666, or complete our online enquiry form to request a call back at your convenience. We offer an initial free consultation for all money laundering cases brought to us.
