United Kingdom: Criminal Law

Two UK arms dealers, David Greenhalgh and Christos Farmakis, received 16-year prison sentences for illegally supplying prohibited military equipment to sanctioned destinations including Libya, Sudan, and South Sudan. The UK judiciary published detailed sentencing remarks outlining the court's reasoning, aggravating factors, and the unprecedented nature of these export control violations spanning seven years.

A serious incident has occurred, the regulator is investigating, and an invitation to attend an interview under caution arrives. This stage of a health and safety investigation requires calm, strategic handling rather than panic, as the reality is more nuanced than the dramatic scenarios many imagine.

The Crown Court has provided crucial guidance on when luxury goods are considered "made available" under UK Russia sanctions, examining the intersection of high-value goods transactions, logistics arrangements and customer due diligence. This landmark case involving an art gallery and logistics company offers important clarification on compliance obligations for businesses dealing in luxury goods and the meaning of "ordinarily resident" in the sanctions context.

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 introduces a universal senior manager attribution test that holds organizations criminally liable for offenses committed by their senior managers. This regime, already in effect since June 2026, poses significant risks for private credit managers whose senior personnel are directly involved in deal approval, portfolio monitoring, and workout activities across UK-connected transactions.

The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002 is a piece of legislation that is designed to strip those who have been convicted or pleaded guilty to certain criminal offences of their 'ill-gotten' gains. For those who are convicted of offences in which they are considered to have 'benefited' from their particular criminal conduct, confiscation proceedings will likely be pursued

False accounting allegations arise when financial records are deliberately altered or used to mislead, but not every accounting error constitutes criminal conduct. Understanding the distinction between mistakes and criminal false accounting requires examining who was responsible, what they knew, and whether there was dishonesty with intent to gain or cause loss.

A new strategic partnership has been launched to guide Seen, Heard, Diverted, a three-year programme working with neurodivergent young people to help shape how the justice system responds to them.

Facing a dangerous driving charge can result in severe penalties including mandatory driving bans, substantial fines, and even imprisonment. Understanding the legal framework, the distinction between dangerous and careless driving, and how the court process unfolds is crucial for anyone accused under the Road Traffic Act 1988. Expert legal representation from the initial police interview through to court proceedings can significantly influence the outcome of your case.

The Public Office (Accountability) Bill, known as the Hillsborough Bill, is progressing through Parliament with provisions that extend far beyond traditional public bodies. Private sector organisations delivering outsourced public services or supplying critical systems to government may find themselves subject to new statutory duties of candour, criminal liability for failing to cooperate with inquiries, and enhanced scrutiny at inquests. Will your organisation's governance and investigation procedures with