Ian Hargreaves

Practice Areas

Ian is recognised for advising corporates and individuals on high-stakes white-collar crime matters and commercial litigation. He has worked on leading criminal investigations and prosecutions, as well as complex civil fraud and contractual disputes. With over 30 years’ experience, Ian is known for his strategic focus, strong negotiating skills, and ability to achieve results across sectors and jurisdictions.

Since commencing practice in 1992, Ian has built and led teams in both commercial litigation and white-collar crime. He has practiced at leading firms in the UK, US, and China, and has also led teams across Africa. Ian has been involved in prominent cases before the English courts and has acted for numerous clients in criminal and regulatory matters involving agencies such as the Serious Fraud Office, U.S. Department of Justice, National Crime Agency, City and Metropolitan police, Financial Conduct Authority, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority. He has also conducted investigations for multinational companies in China, Nigeria, Ghana, Russia, India, and South Africa, maintaining strong legal and forensic connections across Europe and the US.

Ian has acted in some of the largest civil fraud cases, managing matters involving worldwide freezing injunctions, search and seizure orders, complex disclosure and repatriation orders, oral examinations, and insolvency-related proceedings. He has also been involved in judicial review applications, including those involving the Cabinet Office, and has handled cyber-ransom cases with the NCA and FBI, as well as sensitive extradition matters.