Michael Newbold

Practice Areas

Asset Forfeiture, Restraint & Confiscation

Career

Michael is an experienced advocate, practising in the areas of confiscation and asset forfeiture. He advises and appears for prosecuting authorities, defendants, and alleged offenders, along with interested parties, in restraint and confiscation proceedings.

Previous instructions include acting for the prosecutor in the 2022 Glencore proceedings, leading to the making of a £93m confiscation order arising from offences of bribery, the largest ever imposed in a case prosecuted by the SFO.

In addition to instructions in cases involving pre-charge restraint orders and confiscation, Michael has a particular specialism in the enforcement of confiscation orders (including orders obtained in other jurisdictions) and related appellate work. He is frequently instructed in proceedings involving the appointment of receivers for the purpose of enforcing orders under POCA and also the pre-2002 legislation.

Michael also has extensive experience in cases involving seized goods, regularly appearing in condemnation and restoration applications (and associated appeals) in relation to goods as diverse as dutiable products, gold and other precious metals, weapons, and prohibited drugs, along with items the export of which is prohibited by sanctions. In 2024 he appeared before the High Court in an appeal considering the extent of the Magistrates’ Court’s jurisdiction in condemnation proceedings.

Michael also acts for applicants and respondents in proceedings for the forfeiture of cash and other seized items, along with account freezing and forfeiture orders pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Professional Memberships

Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association

Fraud Lawyers Association

Criminal Bar Association