NCA / SOCA

Serious organised crime such as money laundering and terrorism-related offences is investigated and prosecuted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) – described by some as the ‘British FBI’.  If you are under investigation by the NCA, contact the criminal defence solicitors at Qamar Solicitors as early as possible for urgent representation.

 

Suspected serious and organised crime frequently involves investigations by intelligence forces, undercover police operations, dawn raids on commercial premises and the removal of IT systems and mobile devices.  The NCA - formerly the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) - is the lead agency usually involved where there is serious and organised crime. 

 

This is a very wide-ranging remit and includes:

 

• Money laundering

• International cybercrime gangs

• Identity crime

• Terrorism

• International child abuse rings

• Human trafficking

• Trafficking of Class A drugs

• Organised immigration crime 

• Serious cross border economic crime

• Complex fraud

 

The NCA works closely with other agencies include the police, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), HM Customs & Excise and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), often taking on cases from these agencies to secure a better chance of a successful prosecution.

 

NCA investigations

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The implications of investigation by the NCA can be devastating. Where, for instance, computers and telecommunication systems are removed from business premises there is likely to be a devastating impact on your livelihood as well as your personal life. 

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Where you find your bank accounts are frozen and you don’t know why (because a SAR has been reported to the NCA and it is an offence for the reporting individual to inform you of it) you may be bewildered and placed in a financial straits while investigations are ongoing. 

 

You may be subjected to a dawn raid on your home or business premises, arrested and taken to the police station for questioning.  In each situation, and at all stages of an NCA investigation and prosecution, the serious crime experts at Qamar Solicitors will be available to advise you and explain the process so you know what is happening - and what may happen next.

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Our expert defence lawyers are experienced in communicating robustly with the authorities to protect our clients’ interests.  We work hard to secure the return of property and money as soon as possible to allow your legitimate business affairs and family life to continue.
 

Civil Proceedings​

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The NCA is one of the government agencies that have the power to take civil proceedings for restraint orders in the absence of a criminal offence.  It can also bring proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) against any person who it 'thinks' holds property which is, or represents, property obtained through unlawful conduct, whether or not a conviction has been secured.

 

How can we help?

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If you are subject to an NCA investigation it is imperative you secure the assistance of expert serious crime solicitors as soon as possible.  The criminal defence lawyers at Qamar Solicitors are highly experienced in representing clients subjected to NCA investigations and the earlier we can come alongside our clients, the better their chances.