The Financial Crime Team specialise in all aspects of financial crime including FCA investigations, bribery, money laundering, diversion frauds and complex and large-scale revenue frauds.
Our full-service capability extends to white collar investigations, dawn raid representation and training for corporate clients through to the defence of individuals in complex and large-scale fraud prosecutions. Our lawyers also have notable experience and success in proceeds of crime cases (POCA).
Matthew Gowen has over 25 years’ experience of prosecuting and defending large-scale, complex and multi-handed fraud and monetary crime cases. His clients attest to his “sharp analysis and shrewd problem solving” [Mr L – acquitted of fraud following a Crown Court trial] and his advocacy is described as “redeeming and outstanding”.
Our Experience
Money laundering investigation
Representing corporate client in a €4 million international money laundering investigation and Account Freezing Order imposition under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2006. The investigation is complex, involves multiple parties in various jurisdictions, and a resolution is being sought ahead of potential forfeiture proceedings.
Defendant to HMRC civil forfeiture proceedings
Advising and representing defendant to HMRC civil forfeiture proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2006, and related cheating the public revenue investigation. The investigation concerns a number of high-value items seized by HMRC on entry to the jurisdiction.
Stamp duty fraud
Successfully advised and represented two individuals in relation to an investigation by HMRC into an alleged Stamp Duty fraud. The clients were interviewed as part of an investigation into the submission of Stamp Duty reclaims on behalf of individuals by a company purporting to specialise in such claims and taking commission for doing so. HMRC took no further action against our clients.
Prosecution threated by Companies House
Corporate client and its directors received notices from Companies House threatening prosecution, following failure to file accounts with Companies House on time. We advised the company, and its directors and international investors, in order to seek to avert prosecution action.
FCA insider dealing investigation
Other recent work includes advising on an FCA insider dealing investigation, advising in relation to FCA enforcement action against FX trading platform, representing an Interested Person in POCA confiscation proceedings, and advising multiple corporate clients on the applicability of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
Key Contacts
Partner (Barrister) – Head of Regulatory and Corporate Defence
Accreditations
Top Tier UK 2025
Legal 500
Top Ranked 2025
Chambers
Very professional and attention to detail was very reassuring.
Legal 500 [UK 2025]
