Fraud costs the global economy close to £4 trillion a year, according to the latest reports. As the economic impact of COVID-19 becomes apparent, fraud related to the disruption of the pandemic is expected to rise. Experts also anticipate an increase in historic fraud coming to light in the wake of economic downturn, as occurred after the Global Financial Crisis in 2008. This compounds the increase in cyber activity and the global nature of today's transactions, already contributing factors to the exponential growth of fraud.
If you are a victim of fraud, reacting swiftly and decisively is essential. Decisions made within the first 48 hours of discovery of a fraud will make the difference between success and failure. Freezing assets and seizing evidence is absolutely critical to a successful fraud investigation. A commercial approach to combating fraud is also vital. If money is to be spent, a return on investment must be made.
When faced with allegations of fraud or breach of your corporate duties, your livelihood and reputation are immediately at stake. There can be no compromise in your defence as there will be no compromise in the attack. The opposition often has months to plan their first move. Your immediate response is critical and sound advice must be sought. To do otherwise could severely damage your case and assist any parallel criminal fraud investigation.
Our fraud lawyers are part of the largest dedicated group of international injunction specialists in the UK. Wherever possible we seek pre-emptive relief to locate and freeze assets and preserve evidence. We created the International Fraud Group, which gives us a critical edge when securing piggyback injunctions beyond our London and Singapore bases. Our anti-fraud and counterfeiting product - Mishcon Tulip (Turning Losses into Profits) - remains the only anti-counterfeiting product devised by a law firm to combat the multi-billion dollar industry of international fraud and counterfeiting.
As fraud solicitors we have unique relationships with investigators; both private and governmental and ensure that our investigators work side by side with us, the barrister and clients as a team from day one; preparing the evidence and applying for and executing injunctions.
Our core fraud team liaises with other key elements of the firm including: