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HomeNews & Insights

News & Insights

  • Sundeep Soor and Ben Cooper KC Overturn Unlawful Search Warrant in Extradition Case
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  • Suspended Sentence & Reduced POCA Confiscation Order in £1M Trading Standards Case
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  • ‘The Legal 500’ – Sundeep Soor Receives Continued Recognition In The 2025 Edition Of The Directory
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  • ‘The Legal 500’ – Sundeep Soor receives continued recognition in the 2023 edition of the directory
    Read more
  • Successful Legal Challenge: Construction Company Reclaims Frozen Bank Account
    Read more
  • Solicitor Sundeep Soor and Counsel Nick Robinson Secure Dismissal in High-Stakes Money Laundering Case
    Read more
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Defence Lawyer - Financial & Serious Crime/POCA/Business Regulatory/Extradition

Fraud can take many different forms, which means n Fraud can take many different forms, which means no two cases are exactly the same.

However, there are certain elements that the prosecution will usually need to prove. These often include whether there was dishonesty, whether a false or misleading representation was made, and whether someone gained financially or another person was put at risk of loss.

Fraud investigations are often detailed and document-heavy, which is why understanding the facts and context behind allegations is really important. 
 
These cases can be complex but that doesn't mean assumptions should be made - careful analysis and early advice can make a significant difference.
The values that guide how I work are simple: empat The values that guide how I work are simple: empathy, client care and integrity.

Most people come to me during difficult periods in their lives - when they're worried, uncertain and usually when they’re under significant pressure.

That's why I believe empathy matters. Taking the time to understand someone's situation properly, not just the legal issue they're facing makes a big difference when it comes to finding solutions.

Client care is equally important. Good representation isn't only about legal strategy; it's about being available, communicating clearly and helping clients feel supported throughout the process.

And integrity underpins everything. Being honest about risks, realistic about outcomes and acting in a client's best interests at every stage.

These aren't just values I talk about - they're values that shape how I approach every case.
The work I do often involves helping individuals, The work I do often involves helping individuals, directors and businesses navigate some of the most challenging situations they may face.

My areas of practice include:

- Serious & Complex Crime - representing clients from interviews through to trial.
- Financial Crime & POCA - advising on fraud, money laundering, restraint orders, confiscation proceedings, asset freezes and recovery matters.
- Regulatory Defence - supporting individuals and organisations facing investigations involving Trading Standards, the Environment Agency, Health & Safety, and other regulatory bodies.
- Extradition - acting in cases involving requests between countries, including challenging extradition where appropriate.

These matters can be complex and stressful and my role is to provide clear advice, careful preparation and strong representation at every stage.

Understanding your position early can make a significant difference to the outcome.

#defencelawyer  #defence  #lawyer
Some cases stay with you because of the scale and Some cases stay with you because of the scale and complexity involved.

One that stands out is the £250m HBOS bank bribery & corruption case - a trial that lasted almost six months following three to four years of preparation.

It was a demanding case in every sense, made even more challenging when the barrister strike over legal aid cuts took place part way through proceedings.

Cases like this highlight the level of preparation, resilience and adaptability required in serious financial crime work.
Extradition is where one country asks for a person Extradition is where one country asks for a person to be returned to its jurisdiction, usually to face trial or serve a sentence.

In the UK, this is governed by the Extradition Act 2003, and in some cases involves international frameworks such as the UK-Europe Extradition (TCA)

If someone is facing extradition, it doesn't automatically mean they will be sent abroad. There are legal arguments (bars to extradition ) that can be raised - for example, whether extradition would be disproportionate, or whether it would breach that person's human rights.

There is also an appeal process, depending on the circumstances.
I've worked on a range of extradition cases. At the moment, I'm representing an individual wanted by the USA in connection with an alleged pharmaceutical fraud of around $9 million, where we are advancing a number of human rights arguments.

In another case involving Sweden, we worked closely with lawyers in that jurisdiction and law enforcement to negotiate a voluntary surrender. The client returned on agreed terms, was interviewed, and released the following day - bringing the matter to a close.

Extradition cases are often complex and involve multiple jurisdictions, but with the right approach, there can be more options than people initially realise.
‘Sundeep helped my partner with a serious criminal ‘Sundeep helped my partner with a serious criminal allegation. He was very supportive during an extremely challenging time.

Sundeep is an excellent lawyer his advice was perfect, the strategy adopted resulted in no further action and the end of a turbulent time for me and my family. 

I would definitely recommend Sundeep to anyone looking 
for a lawyer.’

I'm grateful for feedback like this.

Much of the work I do involves managing complex, fast-moving situations where there are often multiple issues to deal with at once. Staying focused, organised, and responsive is essential.

It's important to me that clients feel supported and confident that their case is being handled carefully at every stage.
What triggers a Trading Standards investigation? What triggers a Trading Standards investigation?

In many cases, it starts with a complaint.

Consumers may raise concerns with their local Trading Standards department, which can then lead to an investigation into how a business operates and possible consumer protection breaches. 

From there, things can escalate. Businesses or individuals may be invited to attend an interview under caution, and in many cases, searches or raids can take place and sometimes bank accounts and assets frozen.

It's important to know that an investigation doesn't automatically mean court proceedings. In the right circumstances, representations can be made to the local authority, asking them to consider alternatives to prosecution in line with their enforcement policy.

If you're contacted by Trading Standards, getting advice early can help you understand your position and how best to respond.

#tradingstandards #investigation
#defencelawyer
I recently represented one of three defendants in I recently represented one of three defendants in a trial at Manchester Crown Court involving allegations of money laundering totalling approximately £600,000.

The case was linked to the alleged illegal sale of steroids and involved a number of complex issues. These included cross-jurisdictional elements, particularly in establishing the legitimate source of funds.

It also required detailed legal arguments around the hawala banking system - an informal, trust based method of transferring  money that is widely used in some parts of the world.

Cases like this highlight how complex financial crime allegations can be, especially where international elements and alternative banking systems are involved. Careful analysis and a clear strategy are essential throughout.
1st May 2026 marks 25 years since I qualified as a 1st May 2026 marks 25 years since I qualified as a solicitor.

It's a milestone that's given me time to reflect on the journey so far.

Over the years, I've specialised in an area of law that has constantly evolved and when I think about the last 25 years, one case in particular stood out and that was the £250m HBOS bribery trial, which lasted almost six months and required years of preparation beforehand. It was a challenging case in many ways, not least because it was affected by the barristers' strike at the time.

But beyond the scale of any one case, what stays with me most is the impact on clients.

Securing acquittals will always be important. But so too is the work that happens behind the scenes - reducing sentences, avoiding prison where possible, and helping people keep their homes and livelihoods.

In many cases, it's about limiting the damage and helping clients move forward, often back to their families.

That's the part of the job that continues to matter most.
What types of POCA cases do I deal with? POCA ma What types of POCA cases do I deal with?

POCA matters can arise in both criminal and civil contexts and they 
often have a significant impact on people's finances and day-to-day 
lives.

On the criminal side, I deal with restraint orders, which freeze 
assets - including bank accounts, property and funds held in the 
UK or even worldwide. Where appropriate, I can apply to vary or 
discharge those orders so clients can access money for basic 
living expenses.

I also advise on confiscation proceedings following a conviction, 
which can be complex and high stakes. In addition, I represent 
third parties - such as family members who need to assert a 
legitimate financial interest in assets linked to a defendant.

On the civil side, I deal with Bank Account Freezing Orders, as well 
as cash and asset seizures. These cases can arise without a 
criminal charge, but still result in individuals or businesses being 
unable to access or use their money.

In both situations, the impact can be immediate and serious. Early, 
specialist advice can make a real difference in how these matters 
are handled and resolved.
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