Rahman Ravelli — England

About

With a market-leading presence in the City of London, bases across the UK and Europe and a worldwide network of legal experts, Rahman Ravelli is a leader in multinational and multijurisdictional serious and corporate fraud, white-collar crime, bribery and corruption, regulatory matters, complex crime, civil recovery and commercial litigation. Rahman Ravelli has grown rapidly and provides strategic advice to corporations, governments and other organisations, senior business figures, professionals and high net worth individuals. All matters are handled directly by a partner of the firm. As a conflict-free, boutique practice offering top-tier legal services, Rahman Ravelli is regularly engaged by other law firms to provide independent advice to senior executives and to handle discrete legal matters in jurisdictions around the world. Since it was established in 2001, the practice has built an enviable reputation in the sectors it operates in. It has earned a strong national and international presence by defending the most significant, high-profile, multi-jurisdictional and multi-agency cases robustly and effectively and by managing high-stakes commercial litigation to obtain the best possible outcome. Its caseload here and abroad grows annually. Its recent work includes some of the largest and most high-profile global corruption investigations, deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) negotiations and cross-border investment fraud cases. It has become increasingly popular with corporates and senior executives looking to investigate and self-report wrongdoing in order to achieve a civil, rather than a criminal, solution to a problem. The firm is also utilised by corporates and high net worth individuals for its investigative and legal expertise in international and multi-jurisdictional asset tracing and recovery work. Its heightened worldwide presence has led to a rising cross-border investigation workload. The firm is at the forefront of cases linked to investigations into the share selling practice known as Cum-Ex. Rahman Ravelli is being increasingly called upon to advise global companies and financial institutions regarding sanctions compliance, and to act in significant, complex sanctions cases and related litigation. It is also in great demand to conduct private prosecutions for UK and international clients. The firm is now at the cutting edge of cryptocurrency, having represented clients in a number of cases that have shaped the law in this area. Rahman Ravelli lawyers are also being sought to advise and represent major institutions in relation to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Rahman Ravelli’s track record of success, ability to recruit top-ranking lawyers, expertise and attention to detail have led to it being recommended to others by past and present clients, other law firms and professionals. Its strong, innovative and robust, proactive approach coupled with its network of worldwide experts has attracted clients from all over the world who need to resolve bribery and corruption allegations, corporate matters, tax investigations and regulatory issues. The firm is available around the clock and anywhere in the world to discuss its core specialisms of serious fraud, serious and white-collar crime, bribery and corruption and civil recovery, as well as defence against actions brought by regulatory bodies. Types of work undertaken: The firm is known for its tenacious defence of clients’ interests in the face of attacks by governments and agencies. It regularly challenges allegations made by bodies such as the SFO, NCA, FCA and City of London Police and international organisations such as Interpol, FBI, OLAF and the SEC. Fraud: Rahman Ravelli’s serious fraud expertise includes commercial fraud and business crime defence services, and all aspects of major tax fraud, international corruption and money laundering. SFO prosecutions are a speciality, with acquittals achieved in the UK’s largest-ever investment fraud trial and many other large-scale, high-profile cases. The firm regularly manages the most complex multinational and multijurisdictional fraud cases, including investigations involving multilateral development banks (MDBs), and the biggest investment fraud investigations conducted by the Financial Conduct Authority and HM Revenue and Customs. Rahman Ravelli is also heavily involved in investigations into the share-selling practice Cum-Ex. Sanctions: Rahman Ravelli represents major financial institutions, corporates, multinationals, conglomerates and senior business figures from a wide range of business sectors in the highest-level sanctions cases and related litigation. It handles all aspects of sanctions, including challenging a sanctions regime’s targeting of an individual or organisation and making licence applications to the relevant authorities to release frozen funds or assets for designated persons or entities. Recently, the firm has been particularly busy advising companies and individuals on how sanctions imposed on Russia may affect their activities. The firm’s rise in this field is due to its global reach and in-depth sanctions experience and expertise. It is known for taking on the most difficult sanctions cases across all business sectors. It has been managing cases relating to non-Russian sanctions for more years than many firms operating in this field. Regulatory: The firm’s regulatory department handles national and international cases; representing professionals and advising companies, including PLC’s, on corporate risk. Its serious crime expertise includes experience of complex, large-scale conspiracy allegations. The firm has developed specialist knowledge in tackling covert policing evidence relating to the right to privacy; including directed and intrusive surveillance, covert human intelligence sources and entrapment issues – techniques increasingly adopted by investigative bodies. The practice has experience in the fields of abuse of process and public interest immunity. Its case of R v H and C established the law in this area in the House of Lords in 2004. The case is the leading authority on disclosure and brought about a sweeping change regarding prosecution obligations on disclosure – an area where the firm excels. Bribery/corruption: Rahman Ravelli works on bribery and corruption cases here and overseas that routinely involve billions of dollars, governments and companies of all sizes and from all industry sectors. It advises international companies regarding compliance and internal investigations. The firm’s client list includes corporates and professionals from all sectors, senior officials, high-net-worth individuals and members of the public being investigated by one or more agencies. Its caseload also sees it representing the likes of lawyers, IFA’s, accountants, surveyors and bankers, as well as those working in the health and education sectors, charities, the royal household, forex, pensions, mining and environmental schemes, motor transport and real estate. Its most recent work in this field has included extensive involvement in a number of huge, long-running investigations into major companies in the oil, gas and other natural resources sectors. Civil recovery: Rahman Ravelli’s expertise includes national and international cases involving the NCA, SFO, HMRC, CPS and other agencies. It was the first firm to take a civil recovery case to the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights to protect clients’ assets – a case that defined important civil recovery issues – and manages cases involving unexplained wealth orders. Commercial litigation including civil fraud: Rahman Ravelli regularly and aggressively challenges worldwide freezing orders, defends multijurisdictional actions and pursues corporate wrongdoing. The firm is adept at bringing civil fraud proceedings and conducting asset tracing and recovery actions for clients globally. The firm’s team of experienced commercial litigation and dispute resolution lawyers provides expert representation and advice to businesses and individuals on a wide range of corporate disputes. Blue Chip companies, huge business and financial institutions, investors and high net worth individuals have sought advice and representation from Rahman Ravelli on the full spectrum of major financial and business disputes, ranging from sale and purchase agreements, contracts, development projects, financial services and investments, and tax matters. Global asset tracing & cross border enforcement: Rahman Ravelli’s proven ability to work swiftly and decisively, using its efficient partner-led approach to asset tracing and recovery, has attracted clients from all over the world. The firm’s global network of specialists, added to its in-house expertise, has ensured the most effective strategies are devised for clients, who include individuals, corporates and major organisations. The firm’s talent for identifying and executing the best strategy in cases that involve multiple jurisdictions has repeatedly brought success. Private prosecution and defence: Rahman Ravelli’s track record of success in this area is down to its years of experience and acknowledged expertise in commencing, conducting and concluding private prosecutions. Its ability to advise clients on all aspects of such a course of action, its proven evidence-gathering skills and its examination of all possible options to obtain the best result have led to successful outcomes for clients from around the world in various business and professional sectors. It has also used these skills to great effect in defending clients who face the prospect of a private prosecution. International arbitration: The firm has shown itself capable of swift, strategic intervention in high-stakes cases that often involve numerous jurisdictions. Current and potential clients are increasingly coming to recognise Rahman Ravelli’s ability to proactively safeguard the interests of those they represent through the intelligent application of court-based interim relief measures to support arbitration, including anti-suit injunctions and freezing orders. Cryptocurrency: As cryptocurrency has evolved, Rahman Ravelli has emerged as a firm that is unrivalled when it comes to recognising and addressing the developing issues in this sector. The firm has been at the centre of many hugely-significant cases that have helped define and refine the law regarding cryptocurrency. Its cryptocurrency lawyers have come to be viewed as pioneers in this rapidly-changing field. The firm has a track record of success in the leading cases involving crypto asset fraud, smart contracts and the intersection of new technologies with existing law and regulations. Serious Fraud Office investigations & white-collar crime: Rahman Ravelli’s growing list of achievements in this field means that its popularity continues to rise among corporates, governments and other organisations, senior business figures, professionals and high net worth individuals who require advice and representation on matters around the globe. Its strong, resourceful defence in high-stakes, high-profile, national and international cases and its track record in the most notable global corruption investigations, deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) negotiations and cross-border investment fraud cases make it a logical choice for many clients. ### Staffing Figures - 4 Number of UK partners - 1 Number of legal directors - 15 Number of other UK fee-earners

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Lawyers in this office

Angelika Hellweger

Angelika Hellweger is a legal director at Rahman Ravelli. A dual-qualified Austrian counsel and English solicitor, she is a specialist in international, high-level economic crime investigations and large-scale commercial disputes. As a multilingual lawyer, she has widely-recognised expertise in representing corporates and conglomerates in major projects and legal matters across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and United States. Her caseload has seen her advise clients ranging from international banks through to aerospace, steel, security and defence companies on matters involving bribery and corruption, fraud and other high-stakes, cross-border issues. She also advises corporates on regulatory and compliance matters. She has a particular expertise in multijurisdictional asset recovery cases for and against governments and states, using both civil and criminal asset recovery routes, and in handling diplomatic questions related to such cases. She also works in Rahman Ravelli’s highly-regarded cryptocurrency team and on sanctions cases. Her work on cases involving environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues has seen her become one of the lawyers at the forefront of this developing area. · Investigations

Aziz Rahman

As founder and senior partner at Rahman Ravelli, Aziz Rahman orchestrates the firm’s ever-increasing national and international caseload and has a client list that includes some of the most high-profile corporations, professionals and high net worth individuals. His flair for co-ordinating defences in national, international and multi-agency investigations has led to success in some of the century’s most significant white-collar crime cases. He is known for his expertise in serious and corporate fraud, complex crime, sanctions, bribery and corruption and compliance and regulatory matters. His current workload includes the most notable global corruption investigations, high-value cross-border frauds, major sanctions proceedings and deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) negotiations. Aziz also advises corporates and senior business and world figures on sanctions matters, heavyweight cross-border commercial disputes, high-value asset recovery proceedings and top-level international arbitration cases involving corporate wrongdoing allegations. He is also known for being a solicitor with an ability to identify and become involved in the emerging international issues as they arise. These have included Ponzi fraud, Libor, Forex, Cum-Ex and cryptocurrency. · White-Collar Crime

Francesca Cassidy-Taylor

Francesca Cassidy-Taylor, a senior associate at Rahman Ravelli, has a track record that includes many of the largest and most notable multinational cases. Her workload has included a number of the most significant Serious Fraud Office investigations, including some of the biggest bribery, cross-border and carbon credit tax fraud cases. Her ability to identify and navigate the best route in a criminal investigation has led to her being the first choice of many high net worth individuals, senior business figures and professionals in cases where reputations are at stake. She is also sought for compliance advice. Francesca was involved in the UK’s biggest phone hacking investigations - Operations Weeting, Elveden and Tuleta – and has represented clients in high-profile extradition proceedings. She has particular expertise in proceeds of crime matters, including law enforcement applications that seek to freeze or seize assets. · White-Collar Crime

Niall Hearty

Niall Hearty is a partner at Rahman Ravelli. His in-depth corporate crime expertise and experience of leading complex multi-jurisdictional white-collar crime investigations around the globe mean he is in regular demand from corporates and individuals. Senior business figures, high net worth individuals and CEOs also seek him for cases that involve reputational issues regarding allegations. Niall's caseload at any time will involve a range of high-profile, high-stakes cases. He has extensive experience of the full range of major fraud cases and bribery and corruption, money laundering and proceeds of crime investigations. He defends executives of companies under investigation by the SFO, FCA, HMRC, NCA and other agencies here and abroad. · White Collar Crime

Nicola Sharp

Nicola Sharp is a partner at Rahman Ravelli. She is known for her successes in cases involving private prosecutions, civil asset recovery, financial disputes and business crime. Her expertise in deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) negotiations, devising preventative measures and conducting internal investigations means that national and international corporations regularly seek her services. Nicola manages multinational investigations into cross-border investment frauds and leads the defence of corporate clients in enforcement actions brought by the SFO, FCA and European bodies; including European Commission anti-fraud regulator, OLAF. She also leads multi-agency, international corporate crime cases; including many involving bribery and corruption and money laundering. · Fraud

Ruxandra Murariu-Boatca

Ruxandra Murariu-Boatca is a senior associate at Rahman Ravelli. She focuses on major white-collar crime cases and multinational, high-stakes investigations. With a lengthy track record in investigations into fraud, money laundering, UK sanctions compliance and a wide range of cross-border allegations, she is very familiar with cases that involve a number of enforcement agencies and multiple jurisdictions. Having earned a reputation for providing perceptive advice to senior business figures, high net worth individuals and corporates in cases involving financial wrongdoing on a large and international scale, she is frequently instructed to advise on UK sanctions compliance and related risks. Her experience of the most complex civil fraud cases has seen her regularly assisting corporates and high net worth individuals and being involved in major asset recovery proceedings. Fluent in French and Romanian and with sharp analytical skills and an ability to devise the most appropriate case strategies, she has earned praise from clients and the respect of her colleagues and fellow legal professionals. She also has years of experience of working on cases where individuals are facing extradition. · White-Collar Crime

Syed Rahman

Syed Rahman is a partner at Rahman Ravelli and is recognised as a leading figure in multinational matters such as asset recovery, civil litigation (including litigation involving cryptocurrencies), criminal defence and corporate fraud. He is sought by ultra-high net worth individuals and companies who depend on him to solve complex, multijurisdictional problems. He has secured a number of notable legal firsts in developing cross-border areas such as cryptocurrency fraud and Cum-Ex. His expanding global caseload includes major fraud prosecutions – including the largest investment and pension liberation frauds – and conducting internal fraud investigations for corporates. Syed is heavily involved in numerous significant, complex sanctions cases and related litigation, and is adept at challenging sanctions designations. His notable successes in high-level financial disputes have led to him earning an impressive reputation in the field of commercial litigation. Syed has also been in increasing demand for cases involving regulation and litigation regarding SPACs (special purpose acquisition companies). He was lead solicitor on a £500 million-plus SFO global bribery and corruption investigation linked to ENRC; in which he managed deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) negotiations. · Asset Recovery