Criminal law

When the business
is under scrutiny.

Fraud investigations can reach directors, employees and the organisation itself. We give calm, clear advice from the first contact with investigators through to the end of the case.

24-hour line 01582 853 783 Request a callback
  • Band 1 for CrimePreviously ranked, Chambers & Partners
  • Legal 500 Leading FirmPreviously recognised
  • Highly CommendedLaw Society Excellence Awards 2021
  • Day and nightPolice station attendance at any hour

Fraud allegations in a business setting

Business fraud allegations can arise from trading practices, accounts, invoicing, tax or insolvency. Individuals may face charges such as fraud under the Fraud Act 2006, false accounting under the Theft Act 1968, or fraudulent trading under the Companies Act 2006. Investigations may be led by the police, HMRC, the Serious Fraud Office or other agencies, each with its own powers and procedures.

Organisations face growing exposure. Under section 7 of the Bribery Act 2010, a commercial organisation can commit an offence by failing to prevent bribery by people associated with it, unless it had adequate procedures in place. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 created a similar offence of failing to prevent fraud for large organisations, with a defence of reasonable prevention procedures.

Early advice is vital. Investigators may seek documents, interview staff or execute search warrants with little warning, and decisions taken in the first days can shape the whole case. We advise directors, employees and organisations, review documentary and digital evidence closely, and represent clients personally in court. Where the interests of different clients may conflict, we will tell you at the outset.

What we do for you

  • Urgent advice on search warrants and production orders
  • Preparation for interviews under caution
  • Advice on corporate failure to prevent offences
  • Review of accounts, invoices and electronic records
  • Advice on restraint and confiscation proceedings
  • In-court representation by your own solicitor

Allegations we defend

We act for individuals and organisations facing fraud allegations arising from business activity.

  1. Fraudulent trading

    Carrying on a business with intent to defraud, under the Companies Act 2006.

  2. False accounting

    Destroying, concealing or falsifying accounting records, under section 17 of the Theft Act 1968.

  3. Fraud by abuse of position

    Allegations against directors, employees or agents trusted with others’ financial interests.

  4. VAT and tax fraud

    Allegations including cheating the public revenue and fraudulent evasion of VAT.

  5. Invoice and mandate fraud

    Allegations involving false invoices, payment diversion or altered bank details.

  6. Insolvency offences

    Allegations arising from company failure, including conduct before or during winding up.

  7. Failure to prevent bribery

    Corporate liability under section 7 of the Bribery Act 2010.

  8. Failure to prevent fraud

    Corporate liability for large organisations under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

How we defend a business fraud case

Business investigations are often long and document-heavy, and we plan for that from the start.

  1. Investigation

    We advise on search warrants, production orders and requests for documents, and help you respond without compromising your position.

  2. Interview

    We prepare you for any interview under caution, whether voluntary or after arrest, and attend with you.

  3. Charge and preparation

    If proceedings begin, we analyse the evidence and unused material, and instruct forensic accountants or other expert witnesses where needed.

  4. Trial or resolution

    We test the prosecution case at trial or advise on any discussions about pleas, explaining the full consequences, including confiscation, before you decide.

Attiq Malik

Key contact

Attiq Malik

Principal Solicitor

A prominent criminal defence solicitor, Attiq has won acquittals on Channel 4’s ‘24 Hours in Police Custody’ and been praised by the Law Society of England and Wales. He specialises in serious crime and employment law.

  • Previously Band 1 for Crime, Chambers
  • Higher Rights advocate
  • Duty solicitor
He has terrific courage and belief in the system, showing that it works. He’s out there fighting the good fight.
24-hour line 01582 853 783 Request a callback

What our clients say

Real feedback from the people we have represented, published on ReviewSolicitors and Google.

Craig Woods
Craig Woods
★★★★★
Contacted liberty law and from start to finish very happy with the whole process very helpful polite and easy to deal with they real do now there stuff
Karen
Karen
★★★★★
I could not recommend this firm enough. They manage to maintain complete professionalism whilst also being personable. Rasheda and Dean clearly explained every step of the process from beginning to end, with Dean taking the time to explain all of legal jargon. I really appreciated this as it made, what started as a daunting experience, so much easier to complete. I am so glad that I took the time to look around and read reviews before choosing any local firm. It really made a difference. Thank you Liberty Law.
Muhammad Khan
Muhammad Khan
★★★★★
Liberty Law took over my case at its hardest point. Dean Garrett was calm, straight-talking and on top of every detail from the first call: he strengthened my case, instructed an outstanding barrister, and his judgement was right at every turn. Rasheda kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes — calls arranged, documents where they needed to be, nothing ever too much trouble. My case concluded on day two of the final hearing, with an outcome I was very pleased with. They believed in my case when it mattered, and they delivered. Highly recommended.
Chapo
Chapo
★★★★★
I had an excellent experience. They were professional, knowledgeable, and always kept me informed throughout the process. They took the time to answer my questions, provided clear advice, and worked hard to achieve a great outcome. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for reliable and dedicated legal representation. If you are looking for professionalism and results you have come to the right place!!
Tinksy 37
Tinksy 37
★★★★★
Cannot thank the guys enough my solicitor went absolutely above and beyond
Abdul Basit
Abdul Basit
★★★★★
I contacted Liberty Law Solicitors regarding one of my legal cases. Throughout the past year, Mr. Faris Nazar handled my case with exceptional dedication, honesty, sincerity, and professionalism. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, I was ultimately successful in my case. I can confidently say that this firm is highly professional and genuinely committed to serving its clients. They have earned my trust, and I would highly recommend their services.👏
Mohammed
Mohammed
★★★★★
Where do I even start from the start to the very end they delivered I can’t thank the team and Itsam Malik enough for the results we was looking at 16-20 years and they got it down to 3 years which turned into 10 months the whole team and Itsam malik are great people!
M. T
M. T
★★★★★
I cannot thank Liberty Law Solicitors enough for the support and representation I received during a very difficult and stressful time. My solicitor Dean Garrett was honest, clear, and professional from the outset, explaining my situation and the possible outcomes without giving false reassurance. I really appreciated that level of transparency. The preparation for the hearing was thorough and made a real difference. I felt well guided throughout the process and was able to stay calm and focused because of the support I received. I am very grateful for the work carried out on my case and would highly recommend Liberty Law Solicitors to anyone in need of strong, honest, and professional legal representation.
Kamal Hussain
Kamal Hussain
★★★★★
I recently sought advice and support from Atiq at Liberty Law Solicitors regarding an employment matter. I’m genuinely grateful for the way Atiq handled everything. He made the whole process feel manageable, took the time to explain things clearly, and provided steady reassurance throughout. Knowing I had someone knowledgeable and dependable guiding me made a big difference. It’s incredibly reassuring to have Atiq and the team at Liberty Law in your corner. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
View more reviews

Questions people ask

General information, not advice on your case. For that, speak to us — the first conversation costs nothing.

Can a company be prosecuted for fraud?

Yes. Companies can be prosecuted, and the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 made it easier to attribute certain economic crimes to an organisation through the conduct of its senior managers. Large organisations can also commit the offence of failing to prevent fraud. Directors and employees may face separate personal liability.

What is a Deferred Prosecution Agreement?

A Deferred Prosecution Agreement is an arrangement under which a prosecutor suspends the prosecution of an organisation in return for it meeting agreed conditions, which can include financial penalties and compliance measures. Each agreement must be approved by a judge. They are available to organisations, not to individuals.

What should we do if investigators arrive with a warrant?

Stay calm, do not obstruct the search and contact a solicitor straight away. Ask to see the warrant and keep a note of what is taken. Staff should not destroy or move documents, and should take advice before answering questions about the matter.

Does the failure to prevent fraud offence apply to small businesses?

The offence is aimed at large organisations, judged by size criteria set out in the 2023 Act. Smaller businesses fall outside it, but they and their staff can still be prosecuted for fraud under the ordinary law. We can advise on where your organisation stands.

Nothing on this page is legal advice, and no solicitor–client relationship is created by reading it. Every case turns on its own facts.

Tell us what has happened.

The first conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Two offices, one emergency line, and a solicitor at the end of it.

Luton office

01582 853 783
43 Windmill Road
Luton LU1 3XL

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

London office

0208 528 1019
107–111 Fleet Street
London EC4A 2AB

9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Request a confidential callback

Sent straight to a solicitor. We reply within two working hours, and immediately outside them if the matter is urgent.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Anything you write here is confidential and covered by legal privilege. We use your details only to answer your enquiry — see our privacy policy.

Say nothing until we are sitting beside you. Before you answer anything, call us. You should not face that interview alone. Do not go in there without a solicitor. Two in the morning is when we work hardest. You reach a solicitor, not a call centre.

The first conversation is free, confidential, and privileged from the first word. We attend police stations across England and Wales, day and night.

24-hour line 01582 853 783