James Fletcher

Practice Areas

James is a specialist in crime (fraud and money laundering) and the civil aspects of criminal and fraud litigation: asset forfeiture and recovery (including Account Freezing, listed assets and Cash Forfeiture), UWOs (Unexplained Wealth Orders), restraint and freezing orders, confiscation, enforcement and judicial reviews of search warrant and other investigative orders.

He receives instructions from specialist Defence firms, businesses and the Proceeds of Crime Units of the CPS, City of London Police, police forces, HMRC, Home Office and individuals under direct access. He is briefed by the NCA, CPS and HMRC in complex cash and civil recovery cases. He also has a litigation extension to his practicing certificate.

He is often brought into cases at the appellate stage or where specialist knowledge of proceeds of crime is needed.

Recent highlights include: Acting for HMRC in civil recovery proceedings resulting in the repayment of funds originally claimed pursuant to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Securing the acquittal of a brother in a private prosecution brought by his sister for theft of £1.5m and defrauding money from their mother. Persuading Police to unfreeze a bank account held by an individual receiving money from abroad. Acting for HMRC in successful cash forfeiture and account forfeiture proceedings where money was obtained through landfill tax fraud and associated criminality.

Career

Called 2000 (Middle Temple).

Professional Memberships

Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association (POCLA).