This is an area in which Peters & Peters has in-depth expertise. We have acted in many of the principal corruption inquiries both in the UK and overseas.
Corruption grabbed the headlines in 2006, with the ever-increasing international focus on the activities of politically exposed persons who received corrupt payments and then laundered them using shell companies, off-shore accounts and secret trusts.
We give strategic advice in cases that may have little or no connection with the UK. Our expertise is frequently called upon to co-ordinate the activities of lawyers in different jurisdictions around the world.
We have conducted due diligence for companies contemplating joint ventures with partners in countries that score highly on the Transparency International Index for corruption. We advise on anti-corruption programmes for companies and banks, as well as advising individuals who are suspected of corruption.
We have particular expertise in investigations and claims arising from corruption, bribery, deceit, secret profits, kick-backs, constructive trusts and the disgorgement/ restitution of misappropriated sums. In aid of these claims, we are expert in international asset tracing, recovery and enforcement using Freezing ("Mareva") Orders (combined with Passport and delivery-up orders where appropriate), Search and Seizure Orders, Third Party Disclosure Orders and other provisional measures.
We have been involved in high level discussions throughout the year as well as being asked to present lectures on prominent public platforms about the ways that aid can be delivered to countries and to avoid corruption and theft. We have presented to the Commonwealth Law Association and participated in a series of conferences hosted by Chatham House, the leading think-tank on Foreign Affairs.