Tom joined Gherson from the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) where he initially worked as disclosure counsel on LIBOR cases as well as the Barclays Qatar case. Tom then moved into a prosecution role, where he led significant aspects of international fraud investigations. At the SFO, Tom provided legal expertise in relation to interviews, searches, extradition and mutual legal assistance.

Since joining Gherson, Tom has used his experience in leading high-profile, international cases as both a defence and prosecution lawyer to advise both individuals and corporations in their multi-agency domestic and multi-jurisdictional proceedings and regulatory actions.

Tom has a particular focus on advising clients in relation to extradition, mutual legal assistance and INTERPOL matters, specifically in relation to cross-border proceedings involving allegations of complex financial crime, bribery and corruption, and money laundering.

In 2016, Tom completed an LLM in Financial Regulation and Compliance culminating with a dissertation focused on the regulation of blockchain technology. With this deep understanding of blockchain technology, digital currencies and cryptoassets, Tom also advises both individuals and corporations regarding the financial regulation and compliance of cryptocurrencies. Tom regularly writes and comments on these topics.

Notable experience

• While working with SFO, Tom led significant aspects of the multi-jurisdictional investigations and negotiations resulting in the Airbus Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA), the world’s largest global settlement for bribery and corruption. This work was in in collaboration with overseas prosecuting agencies.
• Advised individuals regarding INTERPOL Red Notices and data protection issues and made representations to INTERPOL in a variety of circumstances.
• Advised a company responding to a request under data protection law and a Crown Court production order.
• Advised in relation to a SFO UK property freezing order against the backdrop of a complex multi-jurisdictional matter concerning allegations of bribery and corruption.
• Part of team advising on the UK’s first Unexplained Wealth Order.
• Advised in relation to litigation in a multi-jurisdictional cryptocurrency-related dispute.
• Advised regarding anti-money laundering compliance procedures, including in relation to crypto-assets and non-fungible tokens.
• Advised numerous individuals on frozen bank accounts and account freezing orders.

Admissions

• Admitted as a Solicitor in England and Wales: 2011

Recognitions

Chambers and Partners HNW Guide 2024 
Up and Coming: Financial Crime: High Net Worth Individuals

Chambers and Partners UK Guide 2024 
Up and Coming: Extradition

Publications

• Legal Developments in the seizure and recovery of cryptoassets
• HMRC NFT seizures
• Crypto Assets
• HM Treasury’s AML Review
• Crypto Assets and Financial Crime
• Tom assisted in drafting the SFO’s Operational Handbook DPA section