Asset Recovery and Restraint

Members of 7 Bedford Row have extensive knowledge of the law of civil recovery under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Able to draw on the expertise of both criminal and commercial practitioners we can deal with all the complex civil, criminal and regulatory issues that invariably arise. We are experienced in unravelling the often complex trust structures used to conceal funds. We advise on the use of restraint orders, the appointment of receivers, third party rights and in director's disqualification proceedings. Our reach is multi-jurisdictional with members having particular knowledge of EC and US anti-money laundering legislation.

Examples of our work include:

Advising the Attorney General of Guernsey in relation to civil freezing orders requested by the United States (Re: Pavel Lazarenko - the former Prime Minister of Ukraine)

Representing the United States Department of Justice in the Securities and Exchange Commission's action to recover the proceeds of a stock market fraud totalling $200 million (USA v Poyiadjis)

Appearing on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and Home Office in a recent case before the Court of Appeal concerning the compatibility of restraint orders with the European Convention of Human Rights ((1) AP (2) U Limited v (1) Crown Prosecution Service (2) Revenue & Customs Prosecution Service).

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