Defence in Money Laundering Prosecutions

Allegations of money laundering can be serious and often complex. The ramifications upon conviction can be considerable, with the potential for substantial prison sentences, confiscation proceedings, and reputational damage.

If you facing a money laundering investigation or charge, you may require representation from a barrister with considerable experience and expertise in complex financial crime cases.
Quentin Hunt has over 25 years of experience in financial crime, with particular expertise in cases involving alleged breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, the main legislation which governs money laundering offences in the UK.

Quentin has considerable experience dealing with cases involving allegations under:

• Section 327 POCA, concealing, disguising, converting, or transferring criminal property
• Section 328 POCA, entering into or becoming concerned in arrangements to facilitate the acquisition, retention, or use of criminal property
• Section 329 POCA, the acquisition, use, or possession of criminal property

Quentin’s experience includes defending clients in cases involving alleged laundering of funds from fraud, drug trafficking, tax evasion, and organised crime, often involving complex finciancil trails with cross-border transactions and offshore accounts.

Before specialising in defence work, Quentin was a prosecutor on the Attorney General’s A List for HM Revenue and Customs, where he gained first-hand insight into how complex money laundering cases are investigated and prosecuted. That insight now forms a powerful part of his defence armoury and enables his to anticipate the prosecution’s approach, challenging the application of legislation, the admissibility of evidence, and developing a bespoke tactical approach for his clients.

Quentin also has a significant advisory practice and will often advise individuals and financial institutions on their compliance with anti-money laundering legislation, such issues can involve:

• Suspicious activity reports (SARs)
• Banking and transaction records
• Corporate structures and nominee arrangements
• Unexplained wealth and lifestyle evidence
• Links to confiscation and asset recovery proceedings

Much can depend upon interpretation in money laundering allegations and Quentin often works closely with expert financial analysts and forensic accountants to challenge the prosecution’s interpretation of financial data and build a strong defence.