Aftab Jafferjee KC

Practice Areas

Aftab Jafferjee KC became the first ethnic minority appointed in the 160-year history of Treasury Counsel when named Junior Treasury Counsel in 1997 and Senior Treasury Counsel four years later. He appeared mainly at the Central Criminal Court, handling high-profile cases including terrorism, espionage, murder, corruption, and medical negligence.

Notable trials include the Greek Embassy Siege, Afghan Airlines Hijack, British Aerospace Secrets cases, and prosecution of Pakistani cricketers for spot-fixing at Lord’s. Homicide cases range from the first British cannibal killings and Harrow school murder to the triple killing of a former England footballer’s family, the Thames speedboat case, and manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese immigrants in a people-smuggling operation. He has also advised on alleged war crimes by British soldiers in Iraq.

Renowned as a “feared and formidable” advocate and “brilliant” cross-examiner, Aftab has argued in the House of Lords, Supreme Court, and Court of Appeal, reinforcing law on private prosecutions. His practice spans advisory and trial work in business crime and regulatory matters. Fraud cases include Lloyds Bank/HBOS Libor and Repo inquiries and election fraud linked to Nigel Farage’s 2015 seat.

Recent matters include a £35m Brazilian teak forest investment scheme, an £85m Post Office fraud allegation, and defence of spying charges under the National Security Act. A former Criminal Bar Association member, he pioneered the national model for mobile phone and cell-site evidence and was named by The Times among the UK’s top barristers.

Career

Kings’s Counsel (2008)

Treasury Counsel (Senior 2001 – 2011)

Treasury Counsel (Junior 1997)