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Paul Butcher Professional Experience Paul is a specialist in defence preparation and advocacy. He has defended numerous high profile serious and complex criminal cases particularly white-collar and professional crime. He is a Specialist Fraud Panel Supervisor and is appointed to the Law Society's directory of specialist anti-money laundering advisers.
Paul has been involved in recent notable successes, including the acquittal of Red Mercury defendant 'M' who faced terrorist charges at the Old Bailey. The principal prosecution witness was the 'fake sheikh' and Paul gathered critical defence evidence including witnesses from abroad. Paul marshaled complex material, and worked with other agencies and deployed his forensic skills to highlight deficiencies in the prosecution case as well as pressing for relevant material to be disclosed which light on the case before the jury. He dealt with the press after the acquittals, and has been instructed to act in linked appeals of persons seeking to challenge convictions where the 'fake sheikh' was involved. CLICK HERE to see news article. Also click on the following numbers for further details of the case and Paul's involvement: 1 - 2 - 3 Watch this space for updates on the appeals of 'Q' and 'SM' who will allege they were set up by the 'fake sheikh'. If you have been the victim of what you regard as 'sting' by the News of the World contact paulb@bsblaw.co.uk for advice. Additionally Paul acts for numerous persons caught by the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and was interviewed by BBC Radio 4s' Law in Action programme about the way the Asset Recovery Agency seize property alleged to represent criminal proceeds even if the person has not been convicted. CLICK HERE for further details. Cases Paul is involved are presently before the High Court and are likely to be amongst those which set the standard for Forfeiture and Recovery proceedings. Paul regularly deals with Cash Seizure applications, Confiscation applications, allegations of Money Laundering, and applications for Certificates of Inadequacy to the High Court. He acts for persons nationwide and regularly deals with the Serious and Organized Crime Agency (formerly National Crime Squad), as well as HMRC. He has dealt with the Financial Services Authority on behalf of clients accused of FSA irregularities and potential offences relating to the giving of financial advice as mortgage brokers. He deals with enquiries as soon as problems arise, and have assisted persons avoid prosecution through the provision of sensitive and intelligent advice at an early stage. He has recently been instructed on behalf of a company director facing Conspiracy to Defraud allegations. |
Notable Cases Include BR London based American financier alleged to have laundered funds diverted from $200 million housing project by corrupt Government officials in Zimbabwe in violation of UN sanctions. Client subject of ongoing investigation in UK by New Scotland Yard. Pre-charge inquiries include traveling to United States, Zimbabwe, France and South Africa to interview witnesses and obtain evidence. Allegation raising highly sensitive political issues given instability in Zimbabwe. Instructed team of US lawyers re possible proceedings in that jurisdiction. Dossier prepared for meetings with investigating officers. Instructed Leading Counsel and Private Investigators. No charges laid. R v D Complex Inland Revenue fraud revolving around the tax deduction schemes under the Income and Corporation Tax pertaining to the construction industry. Client alleged to have submitted 273 forged tax claims and returns prepared by his accountants who were said to be party to the Conspiracy. Consideration of over 2,000 pages of statements from 130 witnesses, 20,000 pages of exhibits and 60,000 pages of unused material. Instructed Queen’s Counsel and Junior Counsel.
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