| Further information about our services | |
| Monday, 09 May 2005 | |
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The risk posed to companies by failing to comply with ever more complex and onerous regulations of their business environment is difficult to overstate. Mitigating the impact on company reputations, the implications for directors personally where serious breaches of regulatory law occur and reducing the management time involved in dealing with a regulatory crisis are all matters that require specialist advice which we can provide. Year on year the powers afforded to Regulators to investigate and prosecute compliance breaches are galvanised. We can provide advice and representation to ensure compliance by companies in order to avoid intervention by a Regulator. We also aim to be the first involved where a crisis occurs and where information may be demanded by the Regulator from management and staff in an unfamiliar environment for them. We will deal with investigators, manage disclosure and provide advice and assistance during interviews under caution or seek alternatives where possible. We understand the stress that such a crisis can cause to the individuals concerned and to corporate reputations. Our approach is to anticipate and mitigate the impact of these factors as far as possible protect businesses and personal lives from being compromised. Intelligence led policing has become the norm. The development of joint investigations and multi agency task forces to investigate and prosecute suspected crime both domestically and internationally coupled with an on going policitical drive to combat fraud and money laundering is now the status quo. Whether it be professionals who become implicated in the suspected criminal activity of their clients or company officers who fall under suspicion as a result of the acts or omissions of other companies in their supply chain - the so called 'missing trader' or MTIC cases - no one it seems, is immune from being involved as a suspect in criminal investigations and potentially prosecution. Investigations into suspected corporate fraud or breach of Money Laundering Regulations and the criminal law will often take months or even years to conclude. It is not uncommon for us to represent clients facing trials, where they intend to fight for their innocence to be proven for two or three years before the case comes to court. Mitigating the stress of dealing with long and drawn out litigation is a challenge in itself. Those in this position may be the subject of Court Orders freezing their assets and estates for the duration of the investigation and prosecution. The impact this alone can have on business and personal lives is significant. Expert advice is required from the outset, especially during interviews and early dealings with investigators. Bad or mediocre advice at this point can have serious and adverse consequences on the course that the investigation will take. We pride ourselves on understanding the entire process and bringing expert advice tailored to suit the needs of each individual case. | |
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