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News & Insights

  • Acquittal in One of the UK’s Largest Money Laundering Prosecutions
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  • 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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Defence Lawyer - Financial & Serious Crime/POCA/Business Regulatory/Extradition
I recently acted for a client whose accounts had b I recently acted for a client whose accounts had been frozen by HMRC under an Account Freezing Order - around £2 million, spread across three or four bank accounts. Cases like this come up more often than people expect. An AFO typically runs for six months in the first instance, but that can be extended for up to two years before it reaches a contested forfeiture hearing. It's not simply a case of waiting it out - an order can be contested, and applications can be made to vary it (for example, to release funds for business or legal expenses) or to discharge it entirely. My client was fortunate to have enough resource to keep his business running while the order was in place. Not every business is in that position. We're now four months into this case, and it could run for several months yet. It's a reminder that businesses should have a contingency plan in place before a situation like this ever arises - can the business realistically continue for six months, or longer, with funds frozen? Getting early advice is critical, both to understand your options and to start building a case for variation or discharge from the outset.
One question I'm often asked is: if someone has al One question I'm often asked is: if someone has already been to an interview under caution, can I still help? Of course. I can get involved at any stage of the proceedings, whether that's before an interview under caution or once a case has already reached a court hearing. That said, the sooner advice is sought, the better. Seeking early representation from a criminal specialist solicitor - ideally before that first interview - gives you the best chance of understanding your position and protecting it from the outset. But whatever stage you're at, it's never too late to get the right advice in place.
It was a pleasure to be part of this year's MALA B It was a pleasure to be part of this year's MALA Ball. Evenings like this are a highlight of the Midlands legal calendar - bringing together barristers, judges, guest speakers and familiar faces from across the profession, all under one roof. A reminder of how much strength there is in a connected legal community, professionally and personally. Thank you to @jmw_solicitors as our main sponsor, and to 36 Crime Group and C Lewis Company as our secondary sponsors, for supporting the evening. We’re already planning our next few events and we hope to see you there.
This year, the @midsasianlawyers Midlands Asian La This year, the @midsasianlawyers Midlands Asian Lawyers Association has chosen the @uniquehomeforgirls Unique Home for Girls in Jalandhar, Punjab as its charity. It's a cause I've supported ever since MALA's former president, Ranjit Thaliwal, introduced me to it around 15 years ago. Since then, I've been privileged to visit the home in person with my family on at least three occasions. Each time, I've seen first hand the remarkable work of Prakash Kaur; Bibiji, in how she runs the home, alongside her wonderful volunteers. Girls I first met 12 years ago are now educated and settled in places across the world. That is heartwarming to see, and a testament to Bibiji and her team. We're looking forward to raising further funds and donations on 9 October. Please look out for Ranjit's team and support as much as you can. Thank you.
There have been some significant changes to the Pr There have been some significant changes to the Proceeds of Crime Act, following the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which came into force in late June. One change I'd highlight relates to restraint orders - what most people think of as freezing orders. Previously, if your assets were frozen, you couldn't use those funds directly towards your legal fees. You'd have to rely on a third party, or a solicitor acting pro bono. Under the new rules, funds can now be released directly to deal with legal costs linked to the case. There are also changes to how confiscation amounts are calculated, including how hidden assets, tainted gifts and crypto assets are treated - reflecting how these cases have evolved in recent years. Another change I've welcomed is the introduction of Early Resolution of Confiscation (EROC) meetings and hearings. These are designed to encourage earlier agreement and narrow the issues before a confiscation hearing, alongside a new mandatory timetable replacing the old postponement regime. In the past, I've dealt with confiscation cases that have run on for up to two years, so bringing formal structure and earlier resolution to this process is a welcome step. These are significant reforms, and if you're currently subject to a restraint or confiscation order, it's worth getting specialist advice on how the changes may affect your case.
I recently advised a client who had been called in I recently advised a client who had been called in for a compulsory interview by the FCA. Under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, the FCA has the power to legally compel certain individuals - including suspects, professionals or approved persons - to attend and answer questions as part of an investigation. This isn't optional. Once compelled, you're legally required to attend and answer all questions within the scope of the investigation. Failing to cooperate, or misleading the investigator, can lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges. The FCA will usually give advance notice in writing, along with relevant disclosure and details of the time and venue. You're generally entitled to have a legal adviser present, although the FCA can refuse this in certain circumstances, such as where a conflict of interest arises. One important protection is that, under section 174 of FSMA, your answers can't generally be used as direct evidence against you in a later criminal prosecution or market abuse case. They can, however, still be used heavily in regulatory and disciplinary proceedings, so what's said in that room still matters. Cases like this are a reminder that these interviews carry real weight, even where criminal proceedings aren't involved. Getting specialist advice before attending can make a significant difference to how you're prepared and represented.
"Amazing service from Sundeep. I definitely got th "Amazing service from Sundeep. I definitely got the right person for the job, I can't thank him enough for his help and advice. I hope I'm never in a position to need this advice again, but would have no hesitation to go to Sundeep or recommend him. Thank you once again, wouldn't use anyone else." Feedback like this stays with me, particularly the part about hoping never to need this advice again. Most clients come to me at a point in their life they never expected to be in and that's exactly why empathy matters so much in this work. Before anything else, I try to understand what someone is actually going through, not just the legal issue in front of them. Being the right person for the job isn't only about legal knowledge, it's about being someone a client can trust with what is often one of the hardest periods of their life. I'm grateful for reviews like this and for the trust clients place in me when it matters most.
I was recently instructed by a large organisation I was recently instructed by a large organisation who'd had a tip-off that they might be subject to a raid. A raid is the execution of a warrant, issued by the court and carried out by the police. The term "dawn raid" comes from these historically being carried out early in the morning, when a business is least prepared. This is something that can be built into a policy, with training given to staff in advance. The other reality businesses need to plan for is that a staff member, director or manager present could be questioned, or even arrested and taken to the police station. Many organisations have processes in place for day-to-day operations, but not for this particular eventuality. Having a policy ready before it happens, rather than working it out in the moment, can make a significant difference to how the situation is handled. If your business doesn't have a plan for this, getting advice early is always worthwhile.
One of the questions I get asked is: “What exactly One of the questions I get asked is: “What exactly is a POCA case?” POCA (the Proceeds of Crime Act) is all about the recovery of money and assets that authorities believe are linked to criminal activity. Generally, there are two sides to POCA: Criminal POCA involves matters such as restraint orders and confiscation proceedings. Restraint orders are asset-freezing orders that can be imposed during an investigation, long before a case reaches court. Confiscation proceedings usually take place after a conviction and are designed to recover assets the prosecution believes are linked to criminal conduct. Civil POCA is different because it doesn't require a criminal conviction. I regularly deal with cash seizures, cash forfeiture, Bank Account Freezing Orders and the forfeiture of funds held in bank accounts. There are also more complex areas of POCA, such as Section 22 reconsideration proceedings, which allow authorities to revisit an existing confiscation order if they believe someone has acquired significant assets after the original order was made. POCA is a highly specialised area of law and the consequences can be significant for both individuals and businesses. Understanding your position early can make a real difference.
One organisation I'm proud to be involved with is One organisation I'm proud to be involved with is MALA - the Midlands Asian Lawyers Association. MALA has been running for around 17 years as a professional networking organisation for the legal community. Most of our events are held across the Midlands, but our support reaches lawyers and legal professionals right across the UK. Each year, we hold our annual dinner - the MALA Ball - which has become a well recognised fixture on the legal calendar nationally. It brings together barristers, judges and guest speakers, alongside good food and an evening of entertainment. Being part of an organisation that connects and supports the legal community, both professionally and personally, is something I value greatly. To find out more about MALA and the MALA Ball - visit their website: https://www.midlandsasianlawyers.org/
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