POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture | UK Bar

A set praised as "the POCA set," 33 Chancery Lane has experience across the full spectrum of POCA matters and is especially noted for its expertise in money laundering investigations. Described by solicitors as "a leading set for POCA work with a good range of experienced individuals," members act for defendants and prosecutors alike in cases which are often high-profile and international in nature. They also frequently represent receivers and third parties with regard to issues ranging from civil recovery and restraint proceedings to regulatory advice. Members have recently acted in the civil recovery resulting from the investigation and prosecution of individuals on charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering relating to property developments in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Martin Adams is the practice director.

A distinguished set with expertise in both domestic and cross-border POCA matters, whose members represent a variety of clients including prosecuting agencies, third parties and defendants. Described by solicitors as a "go-to set with quality across the board," it has barristers who frequently advise on money laundering issues and are instructed in cases concerning civil recovery proceedings, restraint and confiscation.

Eddie Holland is the senior clerk.

A set well versed in all POCA issues which garners particular praise for representing clients facing confiscation orders and AFOs. Its barristers often act on multi-jurisdictional matters and are instructed by a broad range of enforcement receivers, defendants and prosecuting authorities. They have an additional specialism in matters with combined family/matrimonial proceedings. Interviewees say that 5 St Andrew's Hill is an "excellent team" whose "experience with prosecution and defence portfolios endows them with pragmatic insights that greatly benefit the real world contributions they make to client cases." Recently, members of the set have been involved in an account freezing order case involving funds alleged to be obtained through fraud on the furlough scheme.

Dave Scothern is the chambers director.

Much lauded for its financial crime work, 6KBW has experience across the full spectrum of POCA work, tackling everything from restraint orders and regulatory advice to asset recovery. Its members often handle cases relating to international money laundering investigations, and are instructed by both private individuals and prosecuting agencies, among other clients. They are noted for their handling of the more complex cases in this sphere and have extensive Supreme Court experience. Members of the set have recently been involved in a judicial review lodged by the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), representing the Government Legal Department after claims were made by the WUC that duties on cotton produced in Xinjiang forms an offence under Sections 328 and 329 of POCA.

Richard Summerscales is the senior clerk.

Matrix Chambers receives plaudits for its "excellent reputation" and strength in POCA proceedings, and houses individuals who are no strangers to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Members act for prosecutors, individuals and corporations in civil recovery, confiscation and enforcement proceedings, and have great expertise in money laundering cases. The set's POCA practice is global in nature, with members having handled cases not only in the UK but also in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Guernsey, Mauritius and the Caribbean. Members recently acted in defence of Bernie Ecclestone against POCA proceedings arising in connection with alleged tax fraud.

Alison Scanes is the senior practice manager.

Red Lion Chambers is recognised for its strength in proceeds of crime and has highly regarded practitioners whose expertise runs the gamut of the subject. Members are regularly instructed to both defend and prosecute actions relating to confiscation and asset recovery, money laundering, and account freezing and forfeiture proceedings. Recently, members have been entrusted to lead an appeal on behalf of the World Uyghur Congress, challenging the refusal by the NCA and HMRC to investigate whether companies purchasing garments from Xinjiang, China are acting in violation of POCA and laundering money through the proceeds of sale of goods produced by slave labour.

Mark Bennett is the senior clerk.