Fraud Offences
When Financial Investigations Target Your Business and Assets
Fraud Offence Specialists – Skilled Defence in Complex Financial Investigations
Fraud allegations don’t just threaten criminal charges – they freeze accounts, destroy businesses, and can bankrupt families before any trial begins.
We specialise in defending complex financial crime cases:
- Fraud by false representation
- Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) offences
- Benefit fraud
- COVID-19 Bounce Back Loan and furlough fraud
- Money laundering
- Theft and handling stolen goods
The Reality of Financial Crime Investigations
Modern fraud investigations involve multiple agencies working together: HMRC, DWP, NCA, police, Serious Fraud Office, and banking authorities. What starts as a routine inquiry can quickly escalate into allegations of running sophisticated criminal enterprises worth millions.
The consequences hit immediately:
- Bank accounts frozen without warning
- Business operations suspended
- Professional licences investigated
- Family assets seized
- Years-long investigations before any charges
Why Fraud Cases Require Immediate Specialist Intervention
Financial investigations are highly technical battles fought with evidence most solicitors can’t understand:
Complex Evidence Analysis: Banking records, digital transactions, accounting irregularities, communication patterns
Expert Witness Coordination: Forensic accountants, digital analysts, industry specialists, behavioural experts
Multi-Agency Coordination: Dealing with HMRC, DWP, SFO, police, and regulatory bodies simultaneously
Asset Protection Strategy: POCA challenges, legitimate income proof, family asset protection
The Fraser Masood Strategy
We don’t just defend – we attack the foundation of their case:
- Challenge evidence gathering methods and financial interpretation
- Commission expert analysis to expose prosecution weaknesses
- Present alternative explanations for suspicious activity patterns
- Protect assets through strategic POCA challenges
- Coordinate multi-agency responses to prevent case escalation
Early Intervention Success
Engaging Fraser Masood at the investigation stage often results in:
- Cases discontinued before charges are filed
- Interviews avoided entirely through strategic negotiation
- Asset freezing lifted through compelling legal arguments
- Scope limited to minor technical breaches rather than major fraud
The earlier we intervene, the more opportunities exist to shape the investigation’s direction and protect your interests.
When Your Business and Reputation Are at Stake
Fraud allegations destroy more than just the accused:
- Employees lose jobs when businesses close
- Families face financial ruin from frozen assets
- Professional standing built over decades evaporates
- Community reputation suffers permanent damage
Fraser Masood understands that fraud defence is about protecting everything you’ve built, not just avoiding conviction.
For immediate advice on fraud, allegations, contact Fraser Masood. These cases require specialist intervention from day one.
Criminal Offences
Real Results for Real People
Notable Wins
- R v W: Murder Acquittal at the Old Bailey - Youth client acquitted after 6-week trial
- R v B: Drug Importation Acquittal - Modern slavery defence for trafficking victim
- R v C: Section 18 GBH Acquittal - Self-defence in serious wounding case
- R v S: Honour-Based Stalking - Crown discontinued at trial after evidence challenge
- R v L: Arson Acquittal - Joint enterprise case dismissed after digital evidence challenge
- R v M: Section 18 Stabbing Acquittal - Serious assault case won at trial
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my business accounts be frozen during the investigation?
Possibly. Fraud investigations often result in immediate asset freezing under POCA. Fraser Masood can challenge freezing orders and work to protect essential business operations and family assets.
Can fraud allegations affect my professional licence?
Yes. Professional bodies (SRA, GMC, ICAEW, NCA, FCA etc.) often investigate alongside criminal proceedings. We coordinate defence strategies to protect both your criminal case and professional standing.
What's the difference between fraud and theft charges?
Fraud involves deception or false representation, while theft is taking property belonging to another. Fraud often carries more sophisticated investigation methods and can result in higher sentences for large amounts.
How long do fraud investigations typically take?
Complex fraud cases can take 12-24 months or longer before charging decisions. Early legal intervention can significantly reduce investigation time and scope.
Can I continue running my business during investigation?
This depends on the specific allegations and any asset freezing orders. Fraser Masood works to minimise business disruption and protect ongoing operations where possible.
What evidence do prosecutors need for fraud charges?
They must prove dishonesty, false representation, and intent to make gain or cause loss. We challenge each element and present alternative explanations for suspicious activity.
Will I have to pay back money even if found not guilty?
POCA proceedings run separately from criminal charges. Even with acquittals, civil recovery actions may continue. We defend against both criminal charges and asset recovery simultaneously.
How do you challenge complex financial evidence?
We work with forensic accountants and financial experts to analyse records, challenge interpretations, and present alternative explanations for transactions and accounting irregularities.
What about COVID-19 related fraud allegations?
These cases often involve misunderstanding of eligibility criteria rather than deliberate fraud. We specialise in demonstrating legitimate belief and good faith applications for government schemes.
Can fraud charges be dropped during investigation?
Yes. Through early intervention and strategic representation of evidence, we can achieve case discontinuation before charges are filed, protecting both reputation and assets.
Why Fraser Masood
A Different Kind of Criminal Solicitor
Fraser Masood brings fresh energy to criminal defence. Whilst other solicitors play it safe, we challenge the system with a dynamic approach.
Track Record:
- One of the youngest qualified criminal duty solicitors in West London
- Built practice from startup to major regional provider in 3 years
- Excellent outcomes at the most prominent courts in the country.
Youth meets experience
Hungry for wins, skilled in strategy
Personal service
Fraser Masood handles serious cases personally
Direct approach
We tell you the truth, not what you want to hear
Professional focus
We understand what you have to lose
Get In Touch
Your Future Depends on What You Do Right Now
Every hour you wait makes this situation harder to resolve.
The investigation is happening whether you’re prepared or not. The only question is whether you’ll have expert protection fighting for you.
Don’t face this alone. Don’t wait for charges to be filed. Act now.