POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture | UK Bar

A set praised as "the leading players in this area," 33 Chancery Lane has experience across the full spectrum of POCA matters and is especially noted for its expertise in money laundering investigations. Described by solicitors as "the go-to set for the biggest POCA jobs," 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. Members have recently acted in a claim for summary judgment in a civil recovery case involving cryptocurrency held in an overseas wallet by a UK

citizen living in the UAE.

Martin Adams is the senior clerk.

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. Solicitors say the chambers has "a fabulous reputation as a leading set in this field and the practitioners there really live up to that reputation." It has barristers who frequently advise on money laundering issues and are instructed in cases concerning civil recovery proceedings, restraint and confiscation. Members have recently advised a high-profile foreign bank with reference to money laundering and proceeds of crime reporting regulations in respect of its receipt of USD500 million.

Eddie Holland is the senior clerk.

A set well versed in all POCA issues which garners particular praise for representing clients facing confiscation orders and AFOs. Its barristers often act on 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 say that 5 St Andrew's Hill has "a superb spread of POCA specialists from the junior ranks through to KC level." Recently, members of the set have been involved in confiscation proceedings in respect of property obtained as a result of an international bribery scheme to a value of £22 million.

Dave Scothern is the Chambers Director.

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 one of a series of cases heard by the Court of Appeal concerning the circumstances in which the Crown Court may decline to make a confiscation order for technical reasons. The Court of Appeal allowed the prosecution’s appeal.

Richard Summerscales is the senior clerk.

Matrix Chambers 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 for Glencore Energy UK in relation to a long-running investigation into corruption and fraud in Africa with significant proceeds of crime issues.

Alison Scanes is the senior practice manager.

Red Lion Chambers is recognised for its strength in proceeds of crime and has highly regarded practitioners whose expertise runs the gamut of the subject. Members are regularly instructed to both defend and prosecute actions relating to confiscation and asset recovery, money laundering, and account freezing and forfeiture proceedings. Recently, members have been entrusted to prosecute a Metropolitan Police specialist cybercrime group investigation

into the international money laundering of enormous amounts of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency from a huge Ponzi investment scheme in China. The case involves the largest series of crypto seizures ever made in the UK.

Mark Bennett is the senior clerk.