Business Crime, Compliance and Regulatory Enforcement

In the United Kingdom businesses are subjected a highly complex regulation designed to maintain the highest standards of governance and commercial practice. Many sectors across the business world are policed by different bodies. These agencies include Local Government, the Financial Conduct Authority, Trading Standards, Environment Agency, Care Quality Commission, HMRC, Heath and Safety Executive to name a few. Important compliance issues for all businesses, large and small, also include the Data Protection. 

I have in depth expertise and experience in providing high quality and strategic legal support to businesses, directors and shareholders  in allegations of business related crime and/or breach of regulations. Coming from a background in commerce, I am well placed to understand value of protecting reputation and therefore the need to resolve issues early. If your business is under investigation and you need help, please do get in touch. The power of proactive and early engagement cannot be stressed enough.

In appropriate cases, where a solicitor(s) is/are already engaged;  you can instruct me to join the defence team as a consultant to help navigate through difficult parts of an investigation. Handling these matters with sensitivity and care is of paramount importance as any bad publicity can affect the value and future of the business or the individuals concerned. Most issues can usually be resolved with early involvement and skilful negotiation before matters are taken any further.

 

Legal 500 2023

“Ashraf combines meticulous preparation with excellent client skills and a particularly persuasive style of advocacy.”

Chambers and Partners 2023

"Has strong knowledge of the law and brings broad, tactical vision to his cases. He is deservedly busy in silk-level work despite being a junior."

Legal 500 2022

“Ashraf’s strengths lie in meticulous attention to detail. He is certainly tipped to take silk in the next few years by many senior members of the Bar.”

“Ashraf is a highly skilled advocate who prepares cases thoroughly and presents a forceful case before the court.”

Chambers and Partners 2022

“He has the ability to quickly instil a degree of courage in his clients.”

Chambers and Partners 2021

"He's exceptionally talented and an extremely able barrister due to his grasp of the law and sensible approach to the jury. He can outshine leading silks on his day."

Chambers and Partners 2020

Highly sought after for his calm and collective approach which is never anything but measured. He is well received by clients, fellow professionals and the judiciary.” “He is meticulous in his preparation and presents his cases well before the court.”

Legal 500 2020

“He is a particularly strong junior in serious crime and fraud. He has dry wit that can wither any hostile witness testimony with ease. He has a huge practice nationally in complex crime. A very safe pair of hands”

Legal 500 2019

Has a great eye for detail”

Legal 500 2018

“Advises on serious financial crime matters. Regularly defends cases of mortgage, tax and investment fraud”

Chambers and Partners 2017:

“Recognised for advising on serious financial crime matters. He regularly defends cases of mortgage, tax and investment fraud ….His written work is particularly good."

Legal 500 2016:

‘His calm persona can cut through complex issues with ease’.

Chambers and Partners 2016:

‘Particularly noted for his expertise in cartel investigations, insider dealing and rate fixing matters. He routinely represents large corporations and individuals’

Legal 500 2015:

‘…often has the prosecution running around in circles’

Chambers and Partners 2015:

Has a nationwide financial crime practice and is regularly instructed to defend in complex fraud cases…….has an A to Z knowledge of fraud work."

Legal 500 2014:

‘An excellent jury advocate’

Chambers and Partners 2014:

‘Has a practice encompassing mortgage, tax and insurance fraud cases.

Legal 500 2013:

mindblowingly experienced'

Chambers and Partners 2013:

praised for his ability to handle cases which combine civil and criminal fraud elements. He has a national fraud profile, and handles mortgage and insurance frauds, money laundering matters and MTIC cases’ 

Chambers and Partners 2012:

‘a diligent professional acclaimed for his fantastic knowledge of his subject’

Chambers and Partners 2011:

'fights really hard for his clients and is very good tactically’

Legal 500 2011:

‘is comfortable with any level of tribunal and is completely au fait with complex legal issues’

Legal 500:

‘is widely experienced in fraud…has good experience in conspiracy trials’

Legal 500:

‘has a serious crime practice for his call and good experience in fraud and conspiracy trials’

Legal 500:

‘has a busy serious crime practice’

“I am delighted with the verdict. I am an innocent man and I’m glad the jury believed in me. This has been a very difficult time for me. My reputation was badly damaged after my arrest but now I can get on with my life as an innocent man with my head held high. I would like to take this opportunity to say I am especially indebted to my Barrister, Mr Ashraf Khan. Without his support I would have been lost”

QM, acquitted after a 5 month sexual abuse trial.

I cannot describe how happy I am today. Thank you Ashraf for all your help through this difficult period in my life. I was so scared I would loose my livelihood. I owe you so much”

TH, an independent financial adviser, acquitted after a 4 month fraud trial.

 

“I am delighted with the verdict! Thank you so much”

DO, acquitted of Grievous Bodily Harm after a trial.

 

“Brilliant result, thanks so much! Thank you for all the hard work and taking the time to understand our case; our previous lawyers just didn’t want to know”.

GH, acquitted of large scale drugs conspiracy.

 

 

“Thank you for everything! I could have spent my whole life in prison for something I didn’t do!

LW, acquitted of gang related murder after a 10 week trial.

 

 

“Thank you Mr Khan for all your hard work during this long and difficult trial. We knew we could always rely on you. You were superb!”

DM, acquitted of large scale drugs conspiracy.