Money Laundering Allegations

If you are facing a money laundering allegation, contact our criminal defence solicitor on 0203 959 7755 before answering questions or attending an interview.

Keep relevant financial records safe, find out which authority is contacting you and follow any bail conditions or court orders. If you are arrested and questioned at a police station in England and Wales, you can ask for free independent legal advice.

An allegation is not a finding of guilt. What happens next depends on the suspected offence, the evidence and the stage of the investigation.

Table of Contents

What is a money laundering allegation under UK law?

The main money laundering offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 involve concealing, disguising, converting, transferring or removing criminal property; becoming concerned in an arrangement that facilitates another person’s handling of criminal property; or acquiring, using or possessing criminal property. The offence alleged and the required legal elements, depend on the conduct in question.

The relevant provisions include:

• Section 327: concealing, disguising, converting, transferring or removing criminal property.
• Section 328: becoming concerned in an arrangement that a person knows or suspects facilitates another person’s acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property.
• Section 329: acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.

The prosecution must prove the offence charged. The source of funds, the surrounding circumstances and what the person knew or suspected may be important. The law can differ in how it operates across the UK, so get advice based on where the alleged conduct and investigation sit.

What should I do if I am accused of money laundering?

Get legal advice promptly, do not ignore official contact, and do not give an informal explanation before you understand what is alleged. Our money laundering defence solicitors can advise you about the next step, including an interview, document request, charge or asset restriction.

Start by noting:

• who contacted you and which organisation they represent;
• whether you are under arrest, invited to a voluntary interview or asked to provide information;
• what account, transaction, business or property is mentioned;
• any deadline, bail condition or court order you have received.

Keep letters, emails, bank statements, invoices, contracts and messages that may relate to the matter. Do not alter, delete or create records to explain a transaction. Ask your solicitor how to handle documents and any response requested by an authority.

Should I speak to the police without a solicitor?

You should get legal advice before a police interview about a suspected money laundering offence. In England and Wales, free independent legal advice is available if you are questioned at a police station, including at a voluntary interview under caution.

An interview may have legal consequences even if you are not under arrest. The caution explains that you do not have to answer questions, but that not mentioning something you later rely on may harm your defence. What to say, if anything, depends on the allegation and evidence; do not decide on a “no comment” or other approach without advice on your circumstances.

If you are at a police station in England and Wales:

• clearly ask for a solicitor before answering questions;
• you can ask for the duty solicitor or a solicitor of your choice;
• asking for legal advice does not mean you have done anything wrong;
• tell the police if you need an interpreter or other communication support.

What if my bank account has been frozen?

If your account has been frozen or restricted, ask the bank how to provide information and keep a record of its communications. A restriction can have different legal or regulatory reasons; it does not by itself mean you have been charged or convicted of money laundering.

You should:

• note when the restriction began and what explanation the bank has given;
• preserve documents showing the source and purpose of relevant funds;
• avoid trying to move money through another person’s account;
• get urgent legal advice if you cannot access wages, essential living costs or business funds.

Some restrictions or investigations limit what a bank can tell you. Get advice before contacting other people who may be connected to the transaction or investigation.

What if the police or another authority asks for documents?

Do not ignore a formal request, but get legal advice before responding so you understand what is required and any deadline. The request may come from the police, HMRC, the National Crime Agency, the Serious Fraud Office or another body.

Keep the original records and note where they came from. Relevant material may include:

• bank statements and payment records;
• invoices, receipts, contracts and business accounts;
• messages or emails about the transaction;
• records showing the source of a deposit, loan, gift or investment;
• company ownership and accounting documents.

Do not guess, backdate paperwork or provide an explanation that you have not checked. Your solicitor can advise on the scope of a request and how to respond lawfully.

Can I talk to family, colleagues or other people involved?

Get legal advice before discussing the money laundering allegation or transactions with anyone who may be connected to the investigation. Messages or conversations could be misunderstood, affect evidence or create additional concerns.

Do not ask anyone to change their account, delete messages or coordinate explanations. If you need practical support, speak to your solicitor about how to handle contact safely and appropriately.

What happens after a money laundering investigation starts?

The investigation may include interviews, analysis of bank and business records, searches, requests for information and decisions about whether to charge. In some cases, authorities may use legal powers to seize or restrict assets; the available powers and process depend on the facts and jurisdiction.

Possible next steps include:

• release without charge while enquiries continue;
• further requests or a further interview;
• release under investigation or bail with conditions;
• a decision to charge or take another formal action;
• a separate or related process concerning assets.

These are possibilities, not a prediction of what will happen in a particular case. Ask your solicitor to explain any paperwork, conditions, deadlines or court dates.

What are the possible consequences of a money laundering allegation?

The consequences depend on whether a person is investigated, charged or convicted, and on the specific offence and facts. A conviction can lead to serious penalties, while an investigation may also affect accounts, assets, work or business before a case is decided.

Do not assume that an allegation means you will be charged or convicted. Ask a solicitor to explain the possible consequences of the specific allegation and whether any separate asset proceedings are involved.

How can a money laundering defence solicitor help?

A money laundering defence solicitor can advise you before an interview, explain your rights, review the allegation and represent you through the investigation and any court proceedings. They can also advise on document requests, bail conditions and related asset restrictions where relevant.

Depending on the case, a solicitor may:

• speak with you confidentially about what has happened;
• obtain and review information about the allegation;
• prepare you for a police or other investigative interview;
• help organise records relevant to the source and movement of funds;
• advise on court proceedings and any related POCA applications.

Speak to a money laundering defence solicitor

If you are facing money laundering allegations, call Moeen & Co. Solicitors on 0203 959 7755 for urgent legal advice and immediate representation.