Fraud & Financial Crime

• Obtaining by deception
• Using a document for pecuniary advantage
• Theft and dishonest conduct offences
• Company and business-related fraud
• Benefit or ACC fraud
• Money laundering under the Crimes Act 1961 and related legislation
• Regulatory and white-collar prosecutions

Fraud prosecutions frequently turn on questions of intent and whether the alleged conduct was genuinely dishonest, or whether it reflects a misunderstanding, a business dispute, or a mistake. These cases often involve substantial disclosure, including bank records, emails, and accounting documentation, which needs to be worked through carefully to properly understand and challenge the Crown case.

Money laundering allegations typically require the Crown to establish both that funds or property derive from criminal activity, and that the defendant dealt with those funds knowing or believing this to be the case (or being reckless as to that possibility). These cases often overlap with allegations of organised crime, drug supply, or fraud, and can involve extensive financial and banking records as key evidence, including questions about whether funds passing through legitimate business structures can be distinguished from alleged laundering.

Alongside fraud and money laundering, Harry also acts in prosecutions brought by regulatory agencies and in other complex, commercial-related criminal matters. These cases often involve corporate conduct, compliance failures, or breaches of specific regulatory regimes, and typically require the same careful engagement with financial and documentary evidence as fraud and money laundering matters.

Sentencing for fraud and financial crime offending depends significantly on the value involved, the sophistication and duration of the conduct, and the impact on any victims. Outcomes range from reparation-focused sentences and community-based options through to imprisonment for higher-value or more sophisticated offending.

Because fraud and financial crime cases are often evidence-heavy, early engagement with the disclosure allows a defence to be properly prepared and gives you a clear understanding of your position before key decisions are made. This is particularly important given the volume of financial and forensic accounting evidence often involved, which may require working alongside expert witnesses to challenge or contextualise the Crown's analysis.