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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
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  • Successful Legal Challenge: Construction Company Reclaims Frozen Bank Account
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  • Solicitor Sundeep Soor and Counsel Nick Robinson Secure Dismissal in High-Stakes Money Laundering Case
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Defence Lawyer - Financial & Serious Crime/POCA/Business Regulatory/Extradition
One of the UK’s largest alleged money laundering p One of the UK’s largest alleged money laundering prosecutions has concluded with a unanimous not guilty verdict for my client. This result was achieved through the outstanding work of our counsel team: Bernard Tetlow KC of Furnival Chambers and Sanjeev Sharma of Equity Chambers. Their meticulous preparation, strategic judgment, and advocacy throughout the proceedings were instrumental in securing this outcome. The case involved 13 defendants and allegations totalling £266 million. It arose from the prosecution of a national clearing bank for alleged breaches of money laundering regulations. The prosecution alleged that couriers delivered criminal cash, at times amounting to £1.7 million per day, which was counted using specialist machines, deposited into bank accounts, and converted into gold before being exported to destinations including Dubai. My client, JA, was just 21 years old when he was arrested in 2016. He then spent four years on police bail before being charged in 2020. It took a further six years for the matter to reach trial, where the jury unanimously found him not guilty. For almost a decade, his life was effectively placed on hold. Given that JA’s senior managers were acquitted in 2022, it is difficult to understand why the CPS considered it appropriate to continue this prosecution against him. The extraordinary delays were largely caused by the case being divided into multiple trials, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Crown Court backlog, which now stands at around 80,000 cases nationally. After ten years of uncertainty, justice has finally been achieved.
I represented a client in a case at Manchester Cro I represented a client in a case at Manchester Crown Court recently involving allegations of money laundering linked to the alleged sale of steroid drugs. A key issue in the case was establishing the legitimate source of funds. Our position was that the money originated from the sale of a property overseas, requiring detailed financial analysis and evidence from outside the UK. The case also involved legal arguments surrounding the hawala banking system - an informal method of transferring money that is widely used in many parts of the world and often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with how it operates. Cases like this demonstrate the complexity of financial crime investigations, particularly when international transactions, alternative banking systems, and cross-border evidence are involved. Understanding the full context behind financial movements is often critical to building an effective defence.
Trading Standards investigations often come as a s Trading Standards investigations often come as a surprise. Many business owners assume an investigation only happens when something has gone seriously wrong. In reality, enquiries can begin following a customer complaint, a routine inspection, or concerns about how a business is operating. Issues such as misleading advertising, pressure selling, counterfeit products or even allegations of poor workmanship can all attract the attention of Trading Standards. What I often see is a lack of understanding of complex regulations by business owners. They find themselves facing a situation that has escalated quickly. If you're contacted by Trading Standards, don't ignore it and don't assume it will simply go away. Getting specialist advice early can help you understand your position, respond appropriately, and potentially avoid matters progressing further
One of the questions I’ve been asked recently is: One of the questions I’ve been asked recently is: "What can you do if a search warrant has been executed at my home or business?" My first recommendation is to get legal advice quickly. When a search warrant has been executed, one of the first things I do is review the warrant itself. I want to understand whether it was drafted correctly, whether it goes beyond what was necessary, and whether the authorities acted lawfully when carrying it out. Many people assume that if a warrant has been issued, there is nothing that can be challenged. That's not always the case. In a recent matter, I argued that a search warrant had been unlawfully executed. Because we acted quickly, we were able to launch judicial review proceedings and challenge the actions that had been taken. Every case is different, but timing is often critical. The sooner legal advice is sought, the sooner a strategy can be put in place and the available options properly assessed.
I recently acted for two clients in separate third I recently acted for two clients in separate third party POCA cases that shared a similar issue. Both clients had former partners who had been convicted of criminal offences and were facing confiscation proceedings. As a result, my clients were at risk of losing at least 50% of the equity in their homes - despite not being defendants themselves. In one case, the prosecution argued that my client had no financial interest whatsoever in the property. Following extensive preparation and detailed financial analysis, I was able to persuade the prosecuting authorities that the defendants had no interest in my clients' assets. As a result, both clients were able to preserve their properties. Cases like this are an important reminder that POCA proceedings can affect innocent third parties, including family members and former partners. Specialist advice can make a significant difference in protecting legitimate interests. #POCA #ProceedsofCrimeAct #FinancialCrime #CriminalDefence
“Sundeep is an amazing legal representative, very “Sundeep is an amazing legal representative, very approachable, excellent communication. Helps meet deadlines. Goes above and beyond. Very pleased with his service. Highly recommended.” Feedback like this means a great deal. Clients often come to me during stressful and uncertain times, so being approachable, responsive, and keeping communication clear is something I take seriously. Legal representation isn't just about managing the case itself - it's also about supporting clients through the process, helping them understand what's happening, and making sure nothing is missed along the way. I'm grateful for the trust clients place in me and pleased to have been able to help.
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.
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