Money Laundering

Money laundering can be committed through various acts, but all relate to an individual or business disguising illegal money in an attempt to make it untraceable. If you are found guilty of money laundering, you could potentially serve a lengthy prison sentence and lose all credibility in the business sector. If you have been accused of being part of a money laundering offence, it is in your best interests to get in touch with a solicitor at your earliest convenience and we will deal with your case from the onset. We are available to represent you and will defend your case for you in court if necessary.  

Free Initial Telephone Consultation

Our highly skilled Fraud team are here to take the worry off your hands. We can provide an initial telephone consultation to see how we can assist in your case.

Money Laundering and the law

Money laundering can be committed through someone self-laundering their own assets or handling someone else’s proceeds which is most commonly a business that they are affiliated with. Quite often, the offender will attempt to find ‘loopholes’ via companies and offshore accounts but regardless, money laundering is illegal. According to the Crown Prosecution, you will therefore be committing this offence if your activity falls under the following:

Placement – Putting illegal money into the financial system.

Integration – Disguising the money by getting involved with activities such as investing the money in property.

Layering – Transferring the money through various transactions which are most commonly via offshore companies.

Taking these offences into account, it is therefore illegal to possess criminal property or attempt to disguise it in any way in the hope that it will not be traced. Once a charge has been given, the prosecution must prove that you were aware of the criminal act(s) that had taken place and the benefits that they would have produced.

What punishment could you face?

If you are found guilty of money laundering, depending on the seriousness of the circumstances you could face a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment. According to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), there are three main offences that they can use to prosecute you which are:

Section 327  – This is when you either conceal, disguise, convert or transfer criminal property or remove it from the jurisdiction. This is the most common section when convicting someone who has been involved with self-laundering.

Section 328 – This is where you become a part of an arrangement to either acquire, use or control criminal property on somebody else’s behalf despite consciously knowing that it is illegal. This section is commonly used when the respective offender claims not to be the main launderer.

Section 329 – This is when you have acquired illegal property from a criminal. All businesses are encouraged to report anyone who they believe has laundered cash through them and may be found responsible if they choose not to.

How we can help

If you have been accused of being involved in money laundering, our experienced Fraud Solicitors are available to put forward your case in the best possible light and advise you throughout the entire process. We promise to:

• Advise you throughout the entire process
• Advise you on a confidential basis of any concerns you have
• Represent you in an interview under caution
• Prepare and collate all required documents
• Represent you in court if necessary
• Take the worry off your hands
• Argue your case
• Prepare an appeal if necessary

Given the broad area of law surrounding money laundering, we will ensure to deal with your case by finding all of the facts and circumstances.

Our team are highly ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners guides. We have extensive experience in successfully defending businesses and individuals accused of fraud.

Why Choose Us?

At Cartwright King, our solicitors understand the stress and worry being accused of money laundering can cause and the potential long term consequences that can affect you, your business and your future. We are available to support you throughout the entire process, explain the likely outcomes and fight on your behalf.