Criminal and financial crime

Money laundering

Money laundering

How we can help

We offer specialist advice to clients who are facing money-laundering charges or subject to restraint orders. Legal aid is normally available for these types of allegations. 

Money laundering is an important issue for those working in the financial sector, professional people such as solicitors and accountants, and some private individuals.

  • Professionals working within the regulated financial sector are required to make enquiries as to the identity of their client and the nature of the transactions
  • Professionals such as solicitors and accountants are required to inform the National Crime Agency if they know or suspect that money laundering is taking place. If they fail to do so they can face the prospect of a criminal conviction and a prison sentence. It is an offence for a professional to tip off a client that such a disclosure has been made to the authorities
  • Private individuals arrested for criminal offences can also face money laundering charges if they are suspected to have gained financially through criminal activity

People charged with money laundering offences are often made the subject of a restraint order early in an investigation. Obtaining the correct advice at this stage is important as there is often a requirement to disclose financial details to the prosecution.  There is also often a duty to ensure that any moveable assets held outside the UK are rapidly brought within UK jurisdiction.

Our Money laundering law team

  • We are recognised as one of the leading criminal solicitors in the UK, with an international reputation. The team is highly rated by lawyers' directory The Legal 500, and Jae Cawardine is recognised as a leader in her field
  • The Legal 500 (2023) ranks our team in Tier 2 where we are described as "one of the best firms practising in crime" and our experts are commended for their knowledge and communication which "ensures that a client's interests are always protected and promoted."
  • We are one of the few firms recognised by the Legal Aid Agency to undertake cases involving serious fraud, large-scale or serious crime, money laundering, terrorism and other high-profile cases
  • We have Legal Aid Agency franchises enabling us to undertake most areas of work for publicly-funded clients
Described as "one of the best firms practising in crime" in The Legal 500.
The Legal 500 (2023)

Charging information

Charges are usually based on our hourly rates plus administrative charges and disbursements. We will provide you with an initial estimate of your likely legal costs and will update this as your requirements or the circumstances of the work change.

Legal aid can often be available for those being investigated and charged with this type of offence.

If legal aid is not available, we would be pleased to discuss your requirements and produce a costs estimate accordingly based on the type and complexity of the work involved.

Get in touch

If you would like to speak with a member of the team you can contact our criminal defence solicitors by email, by telephone on +44 (0)20 3826 7521 or complete our enquiry form.

Related insights

The latest news and insights from our criminal and financial crime team

News

27.10.2023

Behind bars—the crisis in Britain's prisons and the urgent need for reform

Russell-Cooke partner, Martin Rackstraw, exposes the alarming reality of Britain's prisons, raising an urgent plea for reform...
Martin Rackstraw, Partner in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors, criminal and financial crime team.
Martin Rackstraw
4 min Read
News

26.10.2023

Warning for landlords when tenants breach planning rules

A recent court decision held that a landlord who allowed its tenants to continue renting despite breaching planning laws, was liable to pay not only a fine and costs...
Pippa Davies, Legal assistant in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors, real estate, planning and construction team. Alexandra Ground, Partner in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors, real estate planning and construction team.
Multiple Authors
3 min Read
Pippa Davies, Alex Ground
News

27.09.2023

Russell-Cooke’s financial crime team successfully represent client in Account Freezing Order proceedings

Russell-Cooke’s financial crime team has recently acted for the founder of a fintech company who had two separate company bank accounts frozen, 
Frances Murrey, Partner in the Russell-Cooke Solicitors, crime and financial team. Russell-Cooke Solicitors staff photograph. Silhouette of a female team member against the backdrop of an office with a soft focus effect. Russell-Cooke Solicitors staff photograph. Silhouette of a male team member against the backdrop of an office with a soft focus effect.
Multiple Authors
1 min Read
Frances Murray, Emily Russell, Edward Griffin
View all News & Insights