Criminal Investigations

DBT & Partners brings decades of experience to supporting UK businesses, directors, and senior managers through every stage of corporate criminal investigations. Our team of specialist corporate criminal solicitors offers clear, practical advice and robust defence strategies to protect your business, your reputation, and your future.

If your company is facing a regulatory or criminal investigation, or if you want to understand your obligations under UK law and minimise risk, this page is here to help. Below you’ll find answers to key questions, links to more detailed guidance on specific topics, and clear steps to safeguard your organisation.

What Is a Corporate Criminal Investigation?

In the UK, a corporate criminal investigation is an inquiry by regulatory or public authorities into suspected breaches of criminal law by a business, its directors, or employees. Investigations often involve allegations of fraud, bribery, tax evasion, money laundering, health and safety offences, or breaches of other regulations.

An investigation can have serious implications for your company, including reputational harm, frozen assets, director disqualification, and even prosecution.

How Do Businesses Come Under Investigation?

Investigations may be triggered by:

• Whistleblowers or complaints from competitors
• Suspicious transactions flagged by banks or auditors
• Regulatory inspections uncovering irregularities
• HMRC audits revealing discrepancies

The main UK authorities involved include the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Trading Standards, and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

How DBT & Partners Can Help

We know how stressful and disruptive an investigation can be for your business. Our experienced business crime solicitors act quickly to protect your position and guide you through the process.

We can:

• Pre-Charge representations (Link to pre-charge representations article)
• Advise you on your rights and responsibilities under UK law
• Handle communications with investigators and regulators
• Support you during searches, interviews, and document requests
• Build strong defence strategies
• Help protect your commercial interests and reputation

DBT & Partners has successfully represented businesses of all sizes, across many industries, achieving positive outcomes even in the most challenging situations.

Explore Our Expertise

This is just a starting point, we also offer detailed guidance on specific aspects of UK corporate criminal investigations, including:

Restraint Orders 

Asset Freezing Orders

Search Warrants

Money Laundering Defences

We encourage you to explore these pages to find the specific advice you need, and to see how our corporate defence solicitors can support you.

You may also find these services helpful:

Tax Services

Business Litigation

Business Investigations

Speak to Our Corporate Criminal Solicitors Today

If your business is under investigation, or you want to understand and mitigate your risks, get in touch. Our specialist corporate criminal investigations solicitors are here to help with clear, strategic advice tailored to your circumstances.

Call us today or complete our online enquiry form to speak with one of our team.

DBT & Partners,  trusted advisers in UK corporate criminal law.