Abbas Lakha KC (formerly QC) is a top Criminal Defence Barrister
About
Abbas Lakha KC (formerly QC) is regarded as one of the most accomplished advocates of his age, having taken Silk at 40, and is experienced at the highest level of the Criminal Bar.
He has a wide-ranging practice covering serious crime, regulatory work, asset forfeiture and money laundering. Rated in Chambers UK and Legal 500 directories as a leader in the fields of international crime, murder, terrorism, financial crime and asset forfeiture, Abbas Lakha KC is noted for his detailed preparation, incisive examination and strong jury advocacy.
Abbas is regularly instructed to advise at the pre-investigative stages of cases and has extensive experience of representing high profile individuals for whom reputation management is a significant concern.
Expertise
- Murder
- Terrorism
- Drugs Offences
- Sexual Offences
- Appeals
- Confiscation / POCA
- Financial Crime
- Fraud, Bribery & Corruption
- Private Prosecution
- Serious Crime
- Large multi-handed murder cases
- Contract/organised crime cases
Recognised as a leading Barrister by trusted Legal Directories
Notable Cases
Terrorism
R v Khan, 2008
Acted for the principal defendant accused of running Al Qaeeda’s UK website and of recruiting for Pakistani terror training camps. Aabid Khan was alleged to possess the largest electronic collection of terrorist materials found by the anti-terrorist squad.
R v Safi & others, 2001-2003
Acted for one of the Afghan Hijackers, Taimur Shah, in both Old Bailey trials. The case involved the armed hijacking of an airplane, which was diverted from Afghanistan to England via Russia, and the longest ever hostage siege at an airport, namely Stansted.
R v M, 2006
Acted for a Defendant alleged to be an Al Qaeeda operative in the UK.
R v F & others, 2005
The Ricin Case: represented a Defendant alleged to have been part of an Algerian Terrorist cell linked to Al Qaeeda.
R v K & others, 2007
Represented a Defendant alleged to be an Al Qaeeda operative accused of Conspiracy to murder in the UK.
Murder
R v Jordan Palmer – 2016
The defendant battered to death his fellow cell-mate in prison. His defence was non-insane automatism based on the involuntary consumption of “spice”, the legal high which is prevalent in prison.
R v Kinse Aidid & Others – 2016
The brutal murder of a Somali woman by two love rivals at a drugs den in North London.
R v Ahmed & Others – 2016
A joint enterprise murder of a rival drugs dealer in Essex by a gang of Somali dealers. Local junkies were used to lure the rival to a secluded park on the pretext of a supply whereupon he was chased, caught and stabbed repeatedly. The still live body was then taken off to a secluded residential area where it was dumped and a local householder was alerted to its presence so that medical help could be summonsed. On arrival at hospital he was found to be dead.
R v Mongan & Others – 2015
A joint enterprise murder. A well known local drug dealer was stabbed to death by one of his pushers.
R v Michael Adebowale, 2013
Represented defendant charged with murdering Drummer Lee Rigby.
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R v Adrian Thomas, 2007
Successfully defended man accused of murdering Duane Tomlin in 2007.
R v Ozan Toprak, 2013
Successfully defended man charged with the murder of the leader of the Hackney Turks.
R v Serdar Ozbek, 2011
Successfully defended a Turkish man accused of the contract killing of his wife.
R v Knowles, 2011
Defended a man accused of murder after fatal stabbing.
Sexual Offences
R v Michael Lyons, 2009 and 2010
Acted for the Defendant who was alleged to be the head of a religious cult accused of raping and sexually assaulting a number of females introduced to him by his followers.
R v Nagra, 2008
Acted for a businessman alleged to have sexually abused his step grand daughter. Prosecution successfully stayed on the grounds of abuse of process.
R v Gill, 2008
Acted for a Pharmacist accused of historical sexual abuse against stepdaughter. Prosecution successfully stayed on the grounds of abuse of process.
International Litigation/Crime
Re S ApS and others
Advising and representing a Danish Company and its Directors in relation to a worldwide freezing order and action by HMRC.
R v Hunter, 2012
Represented an individual charged with fraudulent trading and contraventions of the general prohibition on regulated activity and on financial promotion contrary to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
Extradition
R v Thanos Papalexis, 2009
Advised on extradition from the United States of America in an International murder investigation.
R v B & others, 2008
Advised and represented an individual in an International FBI investigation into global arms sales.
R v Dara, 2007
Advised on and appealed against a European Arrest Warrant and Extradition request by the German authorities against a Pakistani National for allegedly exporting materials for use in the Pakistani nuclear weapons program.
International Domestic Terrorism
R v Aabid Khan, 2008
Acted for the principal defendant accused of running Al Qaeeda’s UK website and of recruiting for Pakistani terror training camps. Aabid Khan was alleged to possess the largest collection of electronic terrorist materials found by the anti-terrorist squad.
R v K & others, 2007
Represented a Defendant alleged to be an Al Qaeeda operative accused of Conspiracy to murder in the UK.
R v Safi & others, 2001-2003
Acted for one of the Afghan Hijackers, Taimur Shah, in both Old Bailey trials. The case involved the armed hijacking of an airplane, which was diverted from Afghanistan to England via Russia, and the longest ever hostage siege. Client acquitted on appeal.
R v M, 2006
Acted for a Defendant alleged to be an Al Qaeeda operative in the UK.
R v F & others, 2005
The Ricin Case. Represented a Defendant alleged to have been part of an Algerian Terrorist cell linked to Al Qaeeda.
Others
R v Moshin Amin – 2018
The case arose out of the shooting of Yasar Yaqub by armed officers on the M62 on 2nd January 2016 which led to unrest amongst the Pakistani community in West Yorkshire. Mr Amin was the driver of that vehicle who is alleged to have been responsible for providing loaded weapons to the local criminal fraternity.
Appeals of Nicholas Terrelonge & Others – Court of Criminal Appeals
A post-Jogee appeal to the Court of Appeal on the basis of the wrong directions on joint enterprise. This was one of a group of cases heard by the Lord Chief Justice in the Court of Appeal with a view to giving guidance on how the Court would approach post-Jogee appeals.
Operation Greyhound, 2004
Acted for a Police Sergeant charged with kidnapping, false imprisonment and conspiracy to cause GBH in a CIB3 investigation into corruption in the police force.
‘A Juryman’s Tale’ trial
The Kidnapping and Blackmail of a Greek Shipping magnate.
What his clients are saying:
My wife and I were very concerned, upset and worried with the upcoming litigation but from the first telephone conversation you were very helpful and honest about the weakness and strengths of our case putting everything into perspective which was very comforting and reassuring, thank you. During our conference it was clear you had read and assimilated all of the case details with clear direction, at no point did we feel rushed in fact the reverse. Your polite and gentle manner is appreciated most importantly you LISTENED to us without making us feel we are wasting your time and giving us clear instructions on which information you required. We very much appreciate you keeping us informed and updating us at every juncture making us feel that we are in safe and capable hands of, we look forward to you representing us at the upcoming hearing.
