In October 2024, Sundeep Soor and Counsel Ben Cooper KC of Doughty Street Chambers represented a client who was the subject of a police search warrant executed at both his business and home premises. The warrant involved special procedure material and excluded business-related materials. The client was subject to ongoing extradition proceedings from the UK to the USA.
The US authorities requested UK Police to execute a further search of our client’s premises. However, upon taking instructions immediately after the raid, it became clear that the police had failed to implement necessary special procedures to protect evidence potentially covered by legal and professional privilege, related to our client’s active litigation in both the UK and USA.
After the search, we applied for a full copy of the warrant application submitted to the Crown Court. Our client was advised that the warrant was flawed and the search unlawful. We identified strong grounds for a Judicial Review of the warrant.
A letter before action was issued to the relevant authorities, detailing the defects in the warrant application and potential breaches of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. Despite initial resistance from the police, we prepared robust grounds for a Judicial Review permission application, which was granted by a High Court judge. Following this, the police conceded that the warrant was deficient and the search unlawful.
Currently, the police are seeking to rectify the warrant under section 59 of the Criminal Justice Act to retain the seized property. These proceedings remain ongoing and will be vigorously contested.
This case highlights the critical importance of scrutinising the terms and execution of search warrants. Authorities may make procedural errors, and effective legal challenges can lead to the return of seized goods, claims for damages, and potentially the termination of investigations.
How Sundeep Can Help
If you are subject to search warrants or extradition proceedings, it is vital to seek expert legal advice immediately.
Sundeep Soor is a leading defence lawyer specialising in complex criminal defence, search warrant challenges, and extradition law. He has the expertise to protect your rights and challenge unlawful actions by authorities.
Please contact Sundeep Soor on 0330 8226043 or email info@defencelegal.co.uk.