Blake Lapthorn's Restructuring and Insolvency group is
recognised as having pre-eminent expertise in proceeds of crime
restraint and confiscation work, including civil recovery.
Lucy
Edwards is the main contact for this work.
We regularly act for receivers appointed by the courts on the
application of the Crown Prosecution Service, the Serious Organised
Crime Agency, the Serious Fraud Office, local authorities and other
prosecutors and enforcement agencies.
We provide technical advice and litigation support to receivers
in relation to all aspects of the proceeds of crime regime,
including overseas asset recovery. We also act for individuals,
companies and financial institutions that require advice on the
impact of restraint and confiscation orders.
Our proceeds of crime expertise is supported by the work of the
restructuring and insolvency group as well as the resources of the
wider firm which provides assistance in respect of the wide variety
of assets that may have to be dealt with by receivers. In addition
to residential and commercial premises, we have specialist lawyers
who can assist with the protection and sale of such diverse assets
as aircraft, art work and race horses.
We have been involved in many of the most important legal cases
in proceeds of crime, including
Capewell v HMRC in the House of Lords,
Gale v Serious Organised Crime Agency in the Supreme
Court and the Court of Appeal decision in
Briggs-Price v RCPO and Nicholas O'Reilly.
We are founder members of the Proceeds of Crime Lawyers'
Association (POCLA) for which Lucy
Edwards is the secretary.
