POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture | UK Bar

A set praised as "the very best at asset forfeiture," 33 Chancery Lane has experience across the full spectrum of POCA matters, and is especially noted for its expertise in money laundering investigations. Members act for defendants and prosecutors alike in cases which are often high-profile and international in nature. They also frequently represent receivers and third parties with regard to issues ranging from civil recovery and restraint proceedings to regulatory advice. Recent cases include R v Saghir Afzal, which involved a £45 million confiscation order following one of the largest mortgage frauds then before the courts.

A distinguished set with expertise in both domestic and cross-border POCA matters, whose members represent a variety of clients including prosecuting agencies, third parties and defendants. Barristers here frequently advise on money laundering issues and are instructed in cases concerning civil recovery proceedings, restraint and confiscation. Members have recently acted in several high-profile account freezing order cases and in R v Andrewes in the Supreme Court.

A set well versed in all POCA issues which garners particular praise for representing clients facing confiscation orders and AFOs. Its barristers often act in multi-jurisdictional matters and are instructed by a broad range of enforcement receivers, defendants and prosecuting authorities. They have an additional specialism in matters with combined family/matrimonial proceedings. Interviewees note that 5 St Andrew's Hill is a "leading set with multiple leading practitioners" who come "highly recommended." Recently, members of the set have been involved in confiscation proceedings stemming from the Petrofac bribery scheme.

Much lauded for its financial crime work, 6KBW has experience across the full spectrum of POCA work, tackling everything from restraint orders and regulatory advice to asset recovery. Its members often handle cases relating to international money laundering investigations, and are instructed by both private individuals and prosecuting agencies, among other clients. They are noted for their handling of the more complex cases in this sphere and have extensive Supreme Court experience. Members of the set have recently been involved in confiscation proceedings stemming from a series of burglaries including those of Tamara Ecclestone and Frank Lampard.

Matrix Chambers receives plaudits for its strength in POCA proceedings, and houses individuals who are no strangers to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Members act for prosecutors, individuals and corporations in civil recovery, confiscation and enforcement proceedings, and have great expertise in money laundering cases. The set's POCA practice is global in nature, with members having handled cases not only in the UK, but also in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Guernsey, Mauritius and the Caribbean. Members recently acted in SFO v Glencore and FCA v NatWest.