Ian Hargreaves

Practice Areas

Ian is recognised for his work advising corporates and individuals in relation to high-stakes white collar crime matters and commercial litigation cases. He has worked on leading criminal investigations and prosecutions together with complex civil fraud and contractual disputes. Ian is known for his strategic focus, keen negotiating skills and ability to get results. He has over 30 years’ experience of fighting the hardest cases across a number of sectors and jurisdictions.

Ian commenced practising in 1992 and has built and led teams in both commercial litigation and white collar crime. He has practised in leading U.K., U.S. and Chinese firms and has also led teams across Africa.

Ian has been involved in several leading cases coming before the English courts and has acted for numerous clients involved in criminal or regulatory matters; dealing with cases or investigations concerning the Serious Fraud Office, U.S. Department of Justice, National Crime Agency, City and Metropolitan police forces, Financial Conduct Authority and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority. He has carried out investigations for large multinational companies in China, Nigeria, Ghana, Russia, India and South Africa and has significant legal and forensic contacts across Europe and the U.S.

In acting in some of the largest civil fraud cases, he has led matters involving worldwide freezing injunctions, search and seizure orders, complex disclosure orders, repatriation orders, delivery up orders, oral examinations, fraud-exception privilege applications and insolvency-related relief proceedings.

Ian has also been involved in judicial review applications, including involving the Cabinet Office. He has worked on cyber-ransom cases involving the NCA and FBI regarding sensitive encrypted material and extradition matters.