Bribery & corruption solicitors
Our team of Bribery & Corruption Solicitors are available to provide specialist legal advice to anyone accused of bribery or corruption.
If you have been accused of bribery and corruption, or are facing investigation by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), it is essential that you seek advice from an experienced defence solicitor as early as possible. If found guilty of bribery offences, the punishment for the business or the individual owners can be very severe - and include unlimited fines or imprisonment.
At Draycott Browne Solicitors, we have represented a variety of clients in high value fraud cases since 1998, and we have the knowledge required to get the best possible solution for you.
Contact us today by calling +44 (0)161 228 2244 or fill out an enquiry form and our specialist fraud solicitors will be in touch at a time that is suited to you.
About bribery and corruption
Bribery refers to a specific offence that involves the practice of offering something - usually money - in order to gain an illicit advantage. Corruption is the abuse of a position of trust in order to gain an advantage. Corruption includes any illegitimate use of office, and often includes a range of different types of crime. Bribery is limited to the giving or acceptance of payment of other illegitimate advantages.
The landscape of the UK’s anti-bribery and corruption law changed dramatically in 2011 when the Bribery Act came into force. At Draycott Browne, we understand that any investigations launched in recent years can be deep rooted, with much of the conduct in question pre-dating the Bribery Act, requiring in depth knowledge of the Bribery Act regime. We have a wealth of experience advising in investigations and prosecutions relating to bribery and corruption, dating both pre and post the introduction of the Bribery Act.
We can help businesses and corporate bodies that are:
- Looking for advice on whether they have “adequate procedures” in place to prevent bribery and corruption by employees or others associated with them.
- Of the belief that their employees or people associated with them may have been involved in bribery and corruption, and wish to carry out internal investigations.
- Of the belief that individuals associated with them have been involved in bribery and corruption, who wish to consider self reporting to the Serious Fraud Office with the aim of negotiating a Deferred Prosecution Agreement.
We can also offer assistance to individuals who are:
- Subject to internal disciplinary investigations by their employer and who are concerned about potential crime consequences.
- In receipt of notices under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 to deliver documentation to the Serious Fraud Office, or to attend for interview under compulsion.
- Approached to act as a prosecution witness in large-scale Bribery and Corruption proceedings.
- Accused of political corruption
Political corruption involves the use of powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. If an officeholder takes part in an illegal act, the activity is classed as political corruption if their action is directly related to their official duties or involves trading in influence.
Our highly qualified solicitors have helped numerous clients who have been accused of political corruption. If you are under investigation, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible.
When should you seek legal advice?
You should contact Draycott Browne immediately if you:
- Have been informed that you are under investigation
- Have been asked to speak to the authorities
- Are facing a prosecution
- Have been charged with fraud
By seeking legal advice from the very start, your case is much more likely to be successful. We recommend speaking to a legal advisor from the moment you are told you are under investigation. However, at Draycott Browne, we will provide advice and representation at any point during your case.
Contact us today
Our team of experienced solicitors offer services within Manchester and throughout North West England. For advice and representation from the fraud experts, call Draycott Browne today on +44 (0)161 228 2244.