POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7842 1616About
Provided by PCB Byrne
We have established some of the leading precedents in the confiscation law, often for clients who have dismissed their trial solicitors, as this is an area less experienced firms fail to understand or deal with, which often leads to catastrophic losses for the client.
We handle some of the most complex civil asset forfeiture cases. For instance, we successfully challenged a US$600 million Freezing Order obtained by the USA as a part of the DOJ’s Kleptocracy Initiative and we represent Blue Holdings in the related civil asset forfeiture proceedings.
Key partners Michael Potts and Matthew Frankland have a huge wealth of experience in this practice area. Michael was seconded to the Asset Recovery Agency and has particular expertise in acting both on behalf and against Receivers appointed under the POCA. Matthew has been ranked in the Top Tier of Individual Specialist in Chambers ever since the subject area was launched some years ago and is a former Committee Member of the Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association. Nicola Boulton and Elizabeth Seborg (both ranked for civil fraud) advise on civil asset forfeiture.
We are able to advise in Civil Receiverships under POCA, pre charge Restraint Orders, variation of Restraint Orders, release of third party assets from Restraint Orders, Confiscation Orders and Civil Asset Forfeiture.
Chambers Review
PCB Byrne has noted capabilities handling regulatory compliance, account freezing orders, pre-charge restraint orders and criminal and civil forfeiture as well as post-conviction confiscation proceedings. The firm regularly acts for defendants, third parties and court receivers. The team is experienced in cross-border matters, including mutual legal assistance requests and jurisdictional challenges. It is bolstered by strong practices in financial crime and civil fraud.
Work Highlights
- PCB Byrne acted for Rodney Whiston-Dew, a former solicitor, in connection with confiscation proceedings resulting from HMRC's Operation Amazon surrounding a carbon credit incentive scheme.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Their skillset shines through on receivership work."
"It's quite a strong outfit."
"The firm has real expertise and gets the pick of interesting cases."
"Their skillset shines through on receivership work."
"It's quite a strong outfit."
"The firm has real expertise and gets the pick of interesting cases."
Notable Practitioners
Michael Potts is noted for advising on asset recovery matters relating to receivership. His experience extends to multi-jurisdictional asset forfeiture proceedings.
"Mike is really personable, really knowledgeable and really skilful."
"He is one of the cleverest lawyers I've worked with. Mike is formidable, direct and canny."
Matthew Frankland has respected expertise in cross-border criminal investigations. He also acts on connected confiscation proceedings.
"He is creative and strategic."
"He couples a charming client manner with an acute sense of what is realistic and is a real pleasure to work with."
Ranked Lawyers at
PCB Byrne
UK-wide