DAWN RAIDS

DAWN RAIDS: PREPARING AND PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS

A dawn raid is one of the most challenging situations a business can face. Criminal or Regulatory authorities such as the National Crime Agency (NCA), Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) may arrive unannounced to seize documents and gather evidence. Handling such scenarios requires a calm, informed response and expert legal support. Gherson’s experience in managing dawn raids ensures that businesses and individuals are fully prepared and protected during these high-pressure events.

WHAT IS A DAWN RAID?

A dawn raid is an unannounced visit by enforcement authorities to gather evidence in relation to suspected breaches of law, such as fraud, money laundering or regulatory non-compliance. During a raid, investigators may:

• Request access to premises and seize physical or electronic records.
• Interview employees on-site.
• Apply to Court to freeze onfiscate assets.
• Demand immediate access to passwords or confidential business documents.

KEY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DAWN RAIDS

Without proper preparation, dawn raids can expose businesses to several risks:

• Legal Breaches: Non-compliance with investigators’ requests can lead to additional penalties.
• Reputational Damage: News of a raid can harm a company’s public image and client relationships.
• Operational Disruption: Raids can interrupt daily operations, causing financial and logistical challenges.
• Legal Liability: Mishandling a raid or providing incorrect information can result in prosecution.

HOW GHERSON CAN HELP

Gherson’s team of experts is well-versed in managing dawn raids and mitigating their impact. Our services include:

• Preparation and Training: Developing tailored dawn raid protocols and conducting employee training to ensure your business is raid-ready.
• On-Site Legal Support: Providing immediate legal representation during a raid to safeguard your rights and manage interactions with investigators to ensure business continuity.
• Post-Raid Assistance: Accessing and reviewing seized materials, challenging unlawful actions by authorities and advising on next steps.
• Reputation management: Managing inquiries from the press or other third party stakeholders.
• Ongoing Compliance: Strengthening your business’s internal procedures to reduce the likelihood of future investigations.

Our proactive approach ensures that businesses are not only prepared for dawn raids but also equipped to recover swiftly and effectively should the worst happen.

WHY CHOOSE GHERSON?

Gherson’s expertise in corporate crime and regulatory defence investigations makes us the ideal partner for managing dawn raids. Our team has supported clients through high-profile raids conducted by the SFO, NCA, FCA, HMRC, and other enforcement agencies. We understand the complexities and sensitivities involved in these situations and are committed to protecting your interests at every stage.

Whether you need help preparing for potential raids or responding to an ongoing investigation, Gherson is here to provide comprehensive, expert support. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.

EXPERIENCE [1]

Our team has extensive experience in managing dawn raids, including:

• Managing an NCA raid at private property as part of an NCA investigation into alleged sanctions violations. Liaison with the lead officer, reviewed the search warrant, advising on legal professional privilege, shadowing team.
• Providing expertise on related account freezing orders imposed and therefore advising on the interplay between the sanctions and the POCA regimes.
• Advising on a matter that has been subject to proceedings before the Westminster Magistrates’ Court and then judicial review proceedings at the High Court.
• Managing NCA raid at private premises where an individual was subject to arrest.. The arrest and search were carried out in connection with various offences, including financial crime. Advising on legality of raid and successfully challenging warrant in judicial review, leading to compensation being paid by NCA.
• Managing a raid at corporate premises undertaken by HMRC in relation to suspected tax fraud offences. Liaison with the lead officer, protecting privilege and ensuring business continuity post raid.
• Managing raid by NCA at family offices in relation to internal corruption Liaison with the lead officer, protecting privilege and ensuring business continuity post raid
• Managing a large raid by (40 plus) police and NHS Counter Fraud officers on the premises of an independent mental health care hospital. Liaison with lead officer, dealing with special procedure material, protecting privilege and ensuring business continuity and patient care.

[1] Some experience at prior firms.