Fraud: Civil | UK Bar

3 Verulam Buildings houses a strong bench of senior and junior barristers who are praised for their expert handling of complex and high-value fraud work. The barristers are adept at representing corporations and high net worth individuals in fraud disputes stemming from allegations of bribery, conspiracy and misappropriation. Recent work for the set includes representing the claimants in Farol Holdings Ltd v Clydesdale Bank plc and National Australia Bank Ltd concerning swap breakage costs.

Blackstone Chambers offers a wealth of expertise in multi-jurisdictional civil fraud claims and is acclaimed as "among the best in the business." Members have significant experience of tackling high-profile litigation arising from allegations of conspiracy, dishonesty and misappropriation, and are well versed in obtaining or opposing applications for injunction relief. Recent instructions for the set include McAdam & others v Ignatova & others, in which Blackstone members represented the claimants - a group of Onecoin investors - in obtaining a worldwide freezing order against the founders of the purported cryptocurrency. One source states: "You know you can rely on a Blackstone barrister of any call."

Brick Court Chambers is a "top-notch set with first-class counsel at all levels," noted for its expert handling of high-value and sophisticated fraud disputes. Members are regularly called upon to represent a wide range of clients, including high net worth individuals and multinational corporations, in matters arising from allegations of bribery, conspiracy and misrepresentation. The team has considerable experience handling multi-jurisdictional claims. Recent instructions for the set include acting for the Federal Republic of Nigeria in its High Court case against Process & Industrial Developments Ltd, setting aside a USD11 billion arbitral award that was found to have been procured by fraud, corruption and bribery.

Essex Court Chambers is a "fantastic set with top-class barristers and seamless administration," housing a strong bench of senior and junior barristers who are experienced in the handling of large fraud cases both in the UK and further afield. Areas of expertise for the team include claims arising from allegations of misrepresentation, misappropriation and conspiracy, and the set's barristers are also well versed in seeking or opposing injunctions to freeze, trace and recover assets. Members have recently acted for defendants on Public Institution for Social Security v Fahad Al Rajaan and others, concerning allegations of bribery in relation to Kuwait's state pension fund.

Fountain Court Chambers retains its reputation as a "go-to set for complex multi-jurisdictional fraud disputes." Members are well regarded for their effective representation of a wide range of clients, including several banks, high net worth individuals and leading corporates, in complex cases involving allegations of bribery, conspiracy and misrepresentation. The set was instructed in several cases arising out of the "Tuna Bonds" bribery scandal, including VTB Capital plc v The Republic of Mozambique.

One Essex Court offers considerable expertise in the handling of both domestic and international fraud-related matters, with barristers who "can turn their hand to anything and have a breadth of experience which makes you feel as though you are always in good hands." Members are regularly instructed to appear in litigation and arbitrations involving allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation, conspiracy, bribery and breach of fiduciary duty. The team is also noted for its strength in asset-tracing and recovery matters spanning multiple jurisdictions. Recent instructions include Court of Appeal proceedings in PJSC National Bank Trust v Mints & others concerning the impact of sanctions on ongoing fraud proceedings.

The barristers at 4 New Square Chambers are routinely instructed in international, high-profile fraud disputes covering a variety of sectors including the financial, energy and insurance sectors. The set appears in many offshore litigation matters and has notable experience in asset recovery and tracing, and in claims concerning allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation, unlawful means conspiracy and breach of fiduciary duties. Sources note the set's "deep knowledge of the numerous subjects and excellent advocates." Recent instructions for the set include Magomedov & others v TPG group and others, concerning allegedly politically motivated conspiracies to deprive the claimants of billions of dollars' worth of assets through fraudulent transactions.

Maitland Chambers has "notable depth of expertise within civil fraud, with barristers who have specialised knowledge and skills honed through years of practice and dedication." Members are adept at representing their clients through all stages of a claim, from the obtaining and opposing of freezing orders through to asset tracing and recovery proceedings. The set is regularly called upon to handle both domestic and international matters, and offers expertise in disputes arising in jurisdictions in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Asia. The set has recently acted on behalf of the former prime minister of Georgia in an appeal in Bermuda concerning a USD600 million judgment arising from fraudulent activity by a Credit Suisse employee.

The experienced commercial barristers at Serle Court are routinely instructed in high-profile fraud cases on both a domestic and international scale. Members offer significant expertise in claims involving allegations of bribery, as well as the tracing, freezing and recovery of assets across a wide range of jurisdictions. Several of the set's instructions involve offshore jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and the BVI, while the team is also regularly instructed in disputes arising in Russia and the Middle East. Members have been instructed on some of the highest-profile frauds of recent times, including Republic of Mozambique v Credit Suisse & others, and PIFSS v Al Rajaan & others.

Twenty Essex offers a "good breadth of expertise," and its members are routinely instructed in both domestic and international fraud matters arising across the banking, energy and commodities sectors. The set's members are experienced in the handling of sophisticated disputes involving allegations of bribery, conspiracy and dishonesty, and appear for their clients both in complex litigation and in arbitral proceedings. An area of particular strength for the team is cyber fraud claims, including those concerning issues surrounding cryptocurrency and other technologies. Recent instructions for the set include NMC v Shetty, Manghat and Bank of Baroda concerning the collapse of the NMC healthcare group.

Wilberforce Chambers is "a leading set with some very bright minds who are very capable of taking on the most complicated and sophisticated frauds." Its strong bench of experienced barristers are regularly instructed in high-value and multi-jurisdictional civil fraud disputes. The team is noted for its expert handling of cases involving offshore jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands and the BVI, as well as matters arising in Asia and Europe. Members offer expertise in claims stemming from allegations of misrepresentation, conspiracy and breach of duty. Cases involving complex jurisdictional issues and contempt proceedings are also key areas of strength for the set. The set has recently been instructed on matters including Steenbok & another v Formal Holdings & others, a multimillion-euro case before the Commercial Court concerning the collapse of the Steinhoff Group.

Drawing on the set's established expertise in banking, insolvency and commercial disputes, the barristers at 4 Stone Buildings also offer expertise in complex and high-value civil fraud disputes. The team is regularly instructed to act for liquidators, shareholders, creditors and directors, among other parties. Members are experienced in the handling of both domestic and international cases, and are well regarded for their expertise in matters involving cross-border insolvencies and worldwide asset tracing and recovery claims. Tenants have recently been instructed in cases including Navigator Equities Ltd v Filatona Trading Ltd before the Court of Appeal concerning contempt proceedings brought following a Commercial Court trial.

7 King's Bench Walk houses a strong team of senior and junior barristers experienced in the handling of complex and high-value civil fraud claims. The set is regarded as a strong choice for cross-jurisdictional matters, and is regularly instructed in cases arising in the energy and shipping sectors. Fraud claims involving difficult elements of insurance law are also a key strength for the team. Members are well versed in both obtaining and resisting freezing injunctions, and also routinely advise their clients on asset recovery. The set has recently acted in Maroil Trading Inc v Cally Shipholdings Inc & others, arising out of alleged fraudulent behaviour and related breaches of settlements in a complex web of connected companies and transactions.

XXIV Old Buildings is regularly instructed in fraud-related disputes involving offshore jurisdictions such as the BVI and the Channel Islands. The set is also noted for its expertise in domestic disputes, and its members are experienced in the handling of cases involving allegations of conspiracy, misappropriation and fraudulent transactions. The team is also well versed in obtaining and opposing applications for injunctive relief, such as disclosure, freezing and search orders. Recent work for the set includes Re Emerald Meats (London) Ltd concerning alleged breach of fiduciary duty in the management of a meat trading business now in liquidation.