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. The set's highlights include the highly publicised Suppipat v Narongdej wind energy scandal in Thailand and the mammoth sham loan fraud in Privatbank v Kolomoisky. Solicitors comment that it is "a very strong chambers, particularly in the fraud and financial services space" and the barristers have an "excellent ability to handle technical legal issues and extensive evidence."

Blackstone Chambers offers a wealth of expertise in multi-jurisdictional civil fraud claims. 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. Standout cases recently handled by the set's tenants include Jinxin v Aser Media, a USD700 million fraud claim, alleging that a purchase of a majority shareholding in the media group was induced by fraud, and including allegations of corruption and bribery. Instructing solicitors regard barristers at Blackstone as "star quality at all levels from silk to baby juniors."

Brick Court Chambers is a highly regarded set, 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. Standout cases recently handled by the set's tenants include Privatbank v Kolomoisky et al, a claim concerning the alleged fraudulent misappropriation of almost USD2 billion from the bank.

Essex Court Chambers houses 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. Recent work handled by the set includes ENRC v Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Dechert and Neil Gerrard, concerning major fraud allegedly conducted by ENRC's former solicitors and the SFO. Solicitors interviewed comment that they are "the best in the business for civil fraud matters."

Fountain Court Chambers retains its reputation as a leading set for high-value, multi-jurisdictional civil 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. Standout recent cases handled by the set include representing the Republic of Argentina in a dispute with Palladian Partners and others concerning amounts due under the terms of GDP-linked securities issued by Argentina.

The barristers at One Essex Court offer considerable expertise in the handling of both domestic and international fraud-related matters. 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 work for the set includes acting for the Danish tax authority in the high-profile SKAT v Solo Capital Partners, concerning a £1.5 billion international conspiracy claim brought against over 100 defendants.

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. Recent work for the set's tenants includes the representation of the claimant in CRF I Ltd v Banco Nacional de Cuba and the Republic of Cuba, in efforts to enforce a sovereign debt issue against defendants with a background of alleged bribery.

Maitland Chambers is noted for its expertise in high-value fraud disputes. 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. Recent work handled by the set includes acting for the claimant in Tolkynneftegaz LLP v Terra Raf Trans Trading, Anatolie Statie & Others resisting a jurisdiction challenge relating to USD500 million fraud allegations.

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. Recent work handled by the set includes acting in Jinxin v Aser Media & Others, a claim alleging deceit and conspiracy and seeking rescission of a share purchase agreement under which the claimant acquired a large stake in MP & Silva Holding SA.

Twenty Essex is 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 work for the set's tenants includes acting in Jafar v The GHF Group Ltd & Others, a USD500 million fraud arising from the collapse of the Abraaj Group.

Wilberforce Chambers houses a strong bench of experienced barristers who 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. Recent work handled by the set's tenants includes acting in Bourlakova & Others v Borulakov & Others, a USD3 billion fraud claim alleging defrauding of creditors and dishonest breaches of fiduciary duty in the drawing up and execution of an oligarch's will.

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. Recent work by the set includes acting in Vale SA and Others v Steinmetz and Others, a USD1.8 billion claim concerning alleging misrepresentation and unlawful means conspiracy in the mining industry.

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. Recent work for the set's tenants includes acting in the Autonomy Corporation v Michael Lynch trial, concerning a large USD8 billion securities fraud claim.

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 defending Credit Suisse Life in a claim brought by the former Prime Minister of Georgia and others alleging failures in discovering a fraud perpetrated by a trader at the bank.