Being subjected to a dawn raid and/or the freezing of assets and accounts puts a business in a very difficult position. As well as losing documentation and computers, it is likely to be impossible to pay debts and salaries, which can effectively shut down an operation.
You should seek legal advice as soon as possible to try and minimise the damage caused.

Expert legal help and representation

At Taylor Law we will immediately work to oppose Account Freezing Orders or Restraint Orders. We will check the legality of the order and wherever possible make an application to the court to vary it or set it aside.
Our team have extensive expertise in the area of both dawn raids and the freezing of assets. We can advise you on crisis management as well as putting together a strong case on your behalf.
Assets are frozen with a view to the authorities recovering them as proceeds of crime. We can represent you throughout a case to show that they are not recoverable property and request that they be released.
We understand how disruptive this type of action is for a business and an individual, with problems extending to affect spouses and others who may be suspected of having benefited from criminal conduct, even if they have done nothing wrong.
We will offer support and guidance throughout and work proactively on your behalf to minimise the difficulties caused.

Dealing with a dawn raid

A dawn raid can be carried out by the police or other regulatory bodies such as HM Revenue & Customs, the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Conduct Authority, the National Crime Agency, the Health & Safety Executive or Trading Standards.
Simultaneous raids could take place at a number of premises, such as the offices of a corporation as well as the homes of its key personnel.
Where possible, you should contact a solicitor straight away. If you ring us, we will immediately attend the raid to ensure that your rights are protected. We will also represent you at any subsequent interview under caution.
Following the raid, we will request the return of any seized materials or copies of what has been taken.

Account Freezing Orders

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, as amended by the Criminal Finances Act 2017, it is open to law enforcement agencies to obtain an Account Freezing Order if they have reasonable suspicion that the money held in a bank account may be recoverable under the Proceeds of Crime Act or that
it is intended to be used in criminal activity. The order may apply to all of the money in an account, or could just apply to some of the funds.
The order can be applied for by enforcement officers of regulatory bodies such as HM Revenue & Customs, the Serious Fraud Office and the National Crime Agency.
This type of order is civil, not criminal, in nature and is issued by the Magistrates Court, generally without notice. Because it is not a criminal order, the standard of proof that the authority will have to show is that ‘on the balance of probabilities’ the money is recoverable under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The term of the order can be for up to two years.
If you have had an Account Freezing Order served on you, you may be allowed to withdraw reasonable living expenses and if this has not been granted, we can make an application on your behalf. We will also work to have the order lifted.

Restraint Orders

A Restraint Order is usually issued before criminal proceedings are commenced to prevent funds from being moved or hidden. The intention is to preserve them pending the outcome of a criminal trial, after which they may be recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act. It has the effect of freezing assets and bank accounts so that they cannot be accessed or used in any way.
If you are served with a Restraint Order you should seek legal advice before taking any action. You may be asked to provide details of any assets you hold, including those held overseas. We can liaise with the relevant authorities on your behalf and put together a strong rebuttal of their assertions.
We will also request that you be allowed access to funds for living expenses if these have not been permitted under the terms of the order.

Contact us

Life can be made very difficult if you are subject to a dawn raid and the freezing of your assets, particularly if you are running a business where you need constant access to funds to trade and pay staff.
At Taylor Law we can work on your behalf to minimise the damage and disruption and to represent you throughout any investigation.
We have an excellent track record of success in working with clients who are under financial investigation, with expert civil and criminal defence solicitors in Leeds, Middlesbrough and London who can step in immediately to represent you.

For an initial discussion, ring us on 0113 532 8100 (Leeds), 01642 221 108 (Middlesbrough) or 0203 780 7646 (London) or fill in our Contact Form.