Investment Fraud Exposed: The Power of Private Prosecution
Investment Fraud Exposed: The Power of Private Prosecution We acted for a client based in the UAE as a private prosecutor in a fraud case, highlighting the devastating impact of investment fraud and the value of private prosecutions in achieving justice. The matter had been reported to the police, but as steps had not been taken to prosecute, we were instructed to bring the private prosecution. The defendant was the former founder and chief executive of a company that
Security for costs relating to Claimant’s based outside of England and Wales
Security for costs relating to Claimant’s based outside of England and Wales There is a general principle in litigation that the losing party will pay the successful party’s legal costs. Where a defendant has concerns that the other side may not pay their costs, they can ask the court to make a security for costs order. This will require the claimant to pay money into court so that it can be paid to the defendant if they are awarded
Facing corporate insolvency: What do I need to know about personal guarantees?
Facing corporate insolvency: What do I need to know about personal guarantees? Owners and directors of small and medium-sized businesses and start-ups are often required to sign personal guarantees in order to secure funding. Should you face corporate insolvency a personal guarantee can put all of your personal assets at risk, including your family home, so you should always take independent legal advice before signing one to ensure that you understand your liability and the extent of the risk
Director disqualification and the 7 things you need to know
Director disqualification: what do I need to know? When a company director fails to carry out their legal responsibilities, they run the risk of being disqualified. This can be a lengthy procedure resulting in a period of disqualification during which it is not permitted to form, promote or manage a company. The main law governing disqualification is contained in the Company Director Disqualification Act 1986. Grounds for disqualification as a company director Director disqualification usually arises from insolvency and misconduct, but
Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters ratified by UK government
Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters ratified by UK government The UK government has now ratified the Hague Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters. It will take effect on 1 July 2025 in England and Wales and will apply to judgments in cases where proceedings are commenced after that date. The convention is set to enable judgments in
Do Statutory Limitation Periods Apply to Unfair Prejudice Petitions?
Do Statutory Limitation Periods Apply to Unfair Prejudice Petitions? For several decades, the prevailing wisdom had been that unfair prejudice petitions brought under s.994 of the Companies Act were not subject to the statutory limitation periods set out in the Limitation Act 1980. This principle was highlighted in the case of Bailey v Cherry Hill Skip Hire [2022] EWCA Civ 531. Proceedings in this case commenced on the assumed basis that limitation could not be raised as a ground
Fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy case looks at elements of deceit
Fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy case looks at elements of deceit A recent fraudulent misrepresentation and unlawful means conspiracy case has looked at the elements needed to prove a claim. A hearing in the case of GI Globinvestment Ltd & ors v Federico Faleschini & ors [2024] examined whether the claimants’ case against some of the defendants had a realistic prospect of success or whether it should be struck out. The facts The claimants are father and son businessmen, Matteo
The new Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and its impact
The new Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and its impact The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) has received Royal Assent. The new act aims to stop organised criminals, fraudsters, kleptocrats and terrorists from using corporate bodies such as companies and partnerships for their purposes. It is also intended to give prosecuting authorities such as the Serious Fraud Squad more power to investigate and prosecute corporate financial crime and failures to prevent fraud. Companies and