Rated in the Directories as a leader in the fields of Crime and Financial Crime, Abbas Lakha KC has been described as “A great strategic thinker who is eager to win cases” and as “A supreme operator, driven to obtain the best result in the circumstances of the case. An approachable and hard-working specialist defence advocate, highly experienced in handling complex homicides and drugs offences as well as fraud cases.”
He is noted for his detailed preparation, incisive cross examination and strong advocacy style, and his skill in handling international financial crime and money laundering cases, representing clients both in the UK and around the world. He has been instructed to defend in numerous VAT frauds, missing trader frauds and insider dealing cases.
He 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. He has also advised on extradition matters linked to serious criminal activity.
His practice also includes advising on and conducting private prosecutions, appeals in the Court of Criminal Appeal, advising in civil fraud matters, civil restraint and asset forfeiture cases, appearing in VAT tribunals and before various professional disciplinary tribunals.
Recognised as a leading Barrister by trusted Legal Directories
Recent Notable Cases
HMRC Money Laundering Regulations
Abbas successfully appealed against HMRC’s decision to cancel Brac Saajan Exchange Limited’s registration under The Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017.
Brac Saajan is a successful money service bureau which is required to register with HMRC. HMRC cancelled Brac’s registration because it believed that were widescale breaches of the Money Laundering Regulations.
In a 10 day hearing at the First Tier Tribunal, Abbas was able to demonstrate that the majority of the breaches HMRC contended were simply not made out. Focusing on the errors in approach and interpretation by HMRC and its officer Sarah Chapman, Abbas succeeded in reversing the decision to cancel BSEL’s registration and the decisions that individual officers of Brac were not fit and proper person and to impose a permanent prohibition on three officers from holding a management role.
