Civil fraud
We are highly experienced in complex, large-scale international fraud cases that involve private capital. From art and cultural asset frauds to high value multi-jurisdictional cases involving financial services or complex trust structures; from acting for foreign governments to acting against bankers and trustees - we do it all.
Our strong presence in London means that we are often able to assist international businesses, families and individuals who choose to bring an action there. In 2015 we won a High Court award of $40m plus interest for the former Romanian state oil company, OMV Petrom SA, against Glencore International. The case dated back to the 1990s, when our client was sold inferior crude oil disguised as more expensive, recognized grades.
We also achieved a landmark judgement at the Court of Appeal, restraining the Bank of St Petersburg from enforcing Russian judgments against Mr and Mrs Vitaly Arkhangelsky, pending a trial in England. The bank had brought proceedings in Russia for the repayment of alleged loans, but our clients contended that the judgments were part of a conspiracy against them. The Court ruled unanimously in favor of our appeal.
Withers’ broad experience and global reach allow us to trace assets across the world. For example, our offices in Asia provide access to local litigators and fraud investigators there. We are also able to consult with colleagues with experience in trusts and complex offshore structures – and we stand alone as the only onshore law firm to be based offshore in the British Virgin Islands.
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