Confiscation and Restraints Department

The Confiscation and Restraints Department was set up in early 2009 by Director Kevin Downes and Katie McCreath; now the departments Manager, Simon Gilbert joined the team at an early stage from the Serious Fraud Department. The department has developed a reputation as one of the best specialised Confiscation teams taking on many clients following their conviction.

The department was created as a result of Kevin and Katie having worked on large high profile confiscation cases under the CJA 1988, DTA 1994 and POCA 2002 and realised that there was a need for a specialised department who solely dealt in all areas of confiscation from its instigation at the restraint stage to the variations on a Confiscation order once it has been made at the enforcement stage.

The department has dealt and continued to deal in a variety of Courts including the Crown Court, Magistrates Court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal. Currently one of the department’s cases is awaiting approval for referral to the Supreme Court.

The department is able to work on Very High Cost Cases following a successful application to join the specialist fraud panel and are currently working on a number of these cases in relation to CJA 1988 and POCA 2002 Confiscation Proceedings.

The department has one in house barristers and three High Court Solicitor Advocates, but also works closely with specialised Confiscation Barristers from other well regarded chambers; the team believe that each case is individual and that it is important to find the right barrister for each case and client.

We have developed relationships with numerous Experts who assist in the preparation for any proceedings and give evidence where required. We compile a team of experts, Barrister and Solicitors tailor made to each individual case. The main experts utilised in Confiscation matters are Forensic Accountants, Drug Experts, Surveyors and Asset Valuers.

Our results show that whether you have been subject to Restraint Proceedings, Confiscation Proceedings or are simply a third party in either of the above we do make a significant positive difference to the outcome of your matter.

Our team of Lawyers have developed substantial experience and expertise in defending Confiscation matters with values from a couple of hundred pounds up to two hundred million pounds. We represent those who have been convicted in criminal proceedings, along with third parties who are affected by any order made, for example we often represent partners of those convicted in order to protect any assets that they have from being included within the Confiscation Order.