Abbas is a Senior Solicitor, specialising in White Collar Crime, Asset Recovery and Sanctions. He has acted for high-net worth individuals, politicians, multi-national corporates, and quasi-state entities primarily in disputes where the underlying allegations are based on criminal conduct.
He has defended in investigations and prosecutions brought by the Serious Fraud Office, National Crime Agency, Financial Conduct Authority and extraterritorial prosecuting authorities such as Interpol. He has appeared before the High Court of Justice, Crown Court and Court of Appeal.
Abbas’ White Collar Crime practice includes acting for those facing prosecution for the most serious criminal allegations, including bribery & corruption, grave criminal offences and serious fraud. He has specialised in this area for over 15 years, working with a number of boutique dispute practices in the City of London.
As a Certified Fraud Examiner, Abbas is specifically qualified to advise those that require specialist compliance advice and/or anticipate an impending investigation. This includes providing advice to multi-national companies, their directors and senior management, and quasi-state entities on:
- Sanctions and Money Laundering compliance, including policy drafting
- Dawn raids
- Pre-charge representations in criminal investigations
Described by his clients as personable, focused and detail-orientated, Abbas is able to devise a clear strategy for his clients at the outset of a matter, often leading to their cases being resolved before proceedings are issued or charges brought against them.
Abbas is part of the Sanctions team at Eldwick, and works closely with the Corporate and Commercial Litigation teams in providing advice that crosses over into criminal law.
White Collar Crime
- Acted for the COO of a collapsed Texan oil company alleged to have deceived the company’s board of directors into entering into a USD 300 million transaction.
- Acted for the lead defendants in a prosecution brought by HM Revenue & Customs – which formed part of a series of prosecutions known as Operation Maplin – in response to allegations of fraudulent evasion of duty, VAT fraud and money laundering arising out of the sale of diesel fuel in the UK.
- Acted for the lead defendant, a Chartered Accountant, in a prosecution brought by the National Crime Agency in relation to a sophisticated immigration fraud, which involved allegations of money laundering.
- Acted for a company director in a criminal prosecution – under the Operation Spitz regime – brought by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulations Authority (MHRA) arising out of the supply of unauthorised medicinal products.
- Represented a company director in allegations of causing death by dangerous driving, focusing on complex arguments regarding causation and speed determination.
Asset Recovery
Abbas regularly assists clients in civil recovery actions, including contesting Account Freezing Orders (AFOs) and Forfeiture proceedings, often achieving successful outcomes in challenging cases.
- Represented a Dubai-based property developer in a multi-jurisdictional fraud and money laundering prosecution, including contesting Account Freezing and Forfeiture proceedings.
- Successfully represented company directors accused of involvement in the illegal importation of tobacco products, fraudulent evasion of excise duty (estimated £5m annually), and money laundering. Contested Account Freezing Orders and Forfeiture proceedings (Operation Fajita).
- Represented a company director in large-scale HMRC Gift Aid fraud and money laundering allegations, including associated civil recovery actions.
- Advising a client in respect of a Crypto Wallet Freezing Order (CWFO), arising from alleged regulatory breaches identified by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Sanctions
Abbas has worked closely with the Sanctions team at Eldwick on the following matters:
- Advising a quasi-state entity, with operations in the EU on the review, drafting, and implementation of its multi-jurisdictional sanctions policy
- Advised a UK national on the purchase of shares on the secondary market, and the interpretation of Regulation 17 and 18 of the Russia Regulations
Professional Societies and Memberships:
- London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association (“LCCSA”);
- International Compliance Association (“ICA”);
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (“ACFE”).