Bribery and Corruption

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors – Bribery and Corruption

Bribery and corruption allegations can be extremely complex and can involve many different sectors or areas of the law.

Defining bribery and corruption can require a specialist fraud solicitor to pinpoint exactly where bribery and/or corruption has occurred or has not occurred in a matter.

Often investigations will centre on regulation and compliance. However, an allegation of bribery and corruption will usually involve the giving or receiving of benefits – such as cash, a holiday, expensive gifts, favours or even votes – as an inducement to another person to commit a breach of their duties in return for the gift or benefit.

In some circumstances, both parties may feel that the giving or exchanging of “perks” or favours is an acceptable way of promoting goodwill in business.

However, bribery and corruption is an extremely serious offence, the Bribery Act 2010 has also increased the risk of prosecution by creating the new offence of failing to prevent bribery.

Under the Act, it is an offence to bribe someone, receive a bribe, bribe a foreign official or fail as a commercial organisation to prevent bribery. It applies to all UK-based organisations and individuals.

But it also covers activities carried out anywhere in the world by them, agents acting on their behalf, their trading partners and anyone else with an established connection to them.

The Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 also prohibits British companies from carrying out activities which may amount to bribery and corruption overseas.

Duncan Lewis fraud solicitors can advise individuals and companies facing allegations of bribery and corruption, or those who are under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office for bribery and corruption.

Our solicitors can also advise companies on how to protect their businesses from allegations of bribery and corruption if a company’s activities may constitute a breach of current law.

The team can also liaise with agencies involved in serious fraud investigations, including:

• City of London Police
• Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
• Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
• Federation Against Copyright Theft
• Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
• National Crime Agency (NCA)
• Office of Fair Trading (OFT)
• Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
• Trading Standards

The reach of the prosecuting authorities is broad, stretching all over the world. The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) also have satellite offices in a number of countries.

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors - Expertise

At Duncan Lewis you will be imbued with the same knowledge we have, which will put in the best position to make the right decision at every point in the process.

You will need a defence team that is equipped to deal with the extra territorial issues and the expertise that your case deserves. At Duncan Lewis you will have a specialist team that will assist in all aspects from the initial investigation stage, charge and then trial.

We are pro-active in engaging with all prosecution and investigative agencies but always ensure that your interests are safeguarded.

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors – Our reputation for excellence

Duncan Lewis' Crime department has been recognised as a Top Tier and recommended criminal defence practice by Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 edition for its General Crime and Fraud work.

Our fraud solicitors have acknowledged expertise in case building based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system and the ability to assemble compelling evidence and documentation in fraud cases.

Our lawyers are able to represent clients at police stations, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts, and the Court of Appeal. The team also includes highly experienced Higher Court Advocates with a background in conducting serious fraud cases.

Duncan Lewis has considerable expertise in handling high-value crime cases involving financial fraud.

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors – How to contact us

There are Duncan Lewis offices across England and Wales and our fraud lawyers can usually reach a client at a police station or court within 45 minutes to advise on charges.

We aim for the best possible outcome for clients facing bribery and corruption charges – call us during office hours on 0333 772 0409 for expert legal advice on all fraud charges.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 0333 772 0607.

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors – When to contact us

We advise clients who are facing fraud charges, or who may be interviewed in relation to bribery and corruption allegations, to contact us as soon as possible.

Our fraud solicitors can advise even before a charge for bribery and corruption is brought, and a solicitor from our specialist fraud department can attend a police station fraud interview conducted by the police, Serious Fraud Office or HMRC.

Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors – Legal Aid & Private Client – Bribery and Corruption

Duncan Lewis is a leading provider of Legal Aid criminal defence services. Legal Aid is means tested and may only be available in certain circumstances, our team can advise further on this at the initial client meeting.

In cases where a client may not be eligible for Legal Aid, we offer competitively priced fee levels for private client representation – with fixed fees and advance notice of any costs whenever possible.

In some criminal cases, ‘after the event’ (ATE) insurance may be an option and our lawyers will advise on an appropriate level of insurance to cover the potential costs of defending a criminal case and to pay any costs imposed by the court.

Call Duncan Lewis Fraud Solicitors to discuss offences or interview under caution relating to bribery and corruption on 0333 772 0409.