Specialists in Serious Fraud and Complex Criminal Defence
Defending Account Forfeiture Order- SFO
A Landmark Legal Challenge: Defending Our Client in complex Account Forfeiture Proceedings
At our firm, we pride ourselves on handling some of the most intricate and high-stakes legal challenges. One such case involved defending our client against a significant account forfeiture action pursued by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). While the court recently ruled against our client, we are committed to appealing the decision and continuing our work to ensure justice prevails.
The Case: A Complex Web of International Financial Transactions
The case centred around £7.3 million ($7.6 million) held in an account at Switzerland’s EFG Private Bank, which the SFO argued had been obtained through corrupt schemes tied to the Brazilian corruption scandal, Operation Car Wash. Our client , a former Petrobras executive, was convicted of money laundering in Brazil in 2019, as part of this global investigation into bribery within Brazil's state-owned oil company, Petrobras.
In defending our client, we navigated a highly complex international financial landscape. The SFO’s case claimed that our client's funds were the result of illicit activities, alleging that they were channelled through a network of accounts in Switzerland, the Bahamas, the UAE, Malta, Portugal, and the UK. We worked tirelessly to present counterarguments and challenge the prosecution’s claims, including defending the legitimacy of the transactions and the origin of the funds.
A Loss, But Not the End: We Are Appealing
While the court ultimately sided with the SFO and granted an account forfeiture order, our legal team remains confident in our position and is already preparing to appeal the decision. We firmly believe that our client’s assets were not the result of corrupt practices, and we are committed to ensuring that this case is re-examined with the full weight of the law applied.
This case reflects not just the complexity of the legal issues at play, but also the importance of rigorous legal strategy and careful analysis in defending clients in high-profile cases. We are already preparing for the next stage of this process, working alongside expert witnesses and consultants to strengthen our appeal.
Our Commitment to Complex Financial Legal Challenges
At our firm, we specialise in complex, high-profile cases that require in-depth knowledge of both the law and financial systems. The Mario Miranda case is a prime example of the sophisticated and meticulous work we do in defending clients facing significant legal challenges.
Our legal team has deep experience in handling cases that involve international financial transactions, asset recovery, and the complex regulatory landscape surrounding corruption and money laundering. We have a strong track record of navigating the intricacies of global law enforcement actions and ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of representation.
Looking Ahead: Pursuing Appeal
The legal journey is rarely straightforward, especially when dealing with high-profile cases such as this. While the recent ruling was a setback, it’s far from the end of the road. We are fully committed to our client’s cause and will continue to fight for a fair and just outcome. The appeal process provides an important opportunity to reassess the case and ensure that all aspects are thoroughly considered.
This case serves as a reminder of the high level of skill and expertise required to navigate complex financial legal matters, and we are proud of the work we’ve done so far. Our commitment to defending our clients with unwavering diligence remains at the core of everything we do.
To read more about the case see:
UK's SFO confiscates more than $8 mln from ex-Petrobras employee Reuters
SFO's largest forfeiture as court seizes more than $7 million News Law Gazette
Operation Car Wash - Wikipedia
If you are facing a complex legal challenge involving financial transactions, corruption allegations, or international law, our firm is here to help. Reach out to discuss how we can bring our expertise to your case, providing you with the best possible legal representation.
If you would like to find out more about how MPR solicitors could assist your case or make a difference, please contact us 24/7 on 020 3824 8080 or email us at law@mprsolicitors.co.uk.
Our Criminal Defence Solicitors are available to provide confidential legal advice in video conference or in person at a convenient time to you. Simply contact us to make an appointment for a Fixed Fee Initial Consultation.
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