Roger Sahota
Partner
”One of the most able solicitors I have ever worked with”
Partner | International Criminal Law, China, INTERPOL & Financial Crime
Roger Sahota is a criminal defence solicitor specialising in complex international and cross-border cases. He is highly selective about the matters he accepts, focusing on cases which are legally difficult, strategically important or unusually sensitive. His practice has a particular emphasis on China, INTERPOL Red Notices, extradition, sanctions, financial crime, cryptocurrency and international asset recovery.
He is frequently instructed in cases which combine criminal allegations with political, commercial and reputational considerations across several jurisdictions. Many involve high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and business leaders facing simultaneous criminal investigations, INTERPOL measures, extradition proceedings, asset freezes or sanctions.
Roger is particularly interested in cases where the formal criminal allegation tells only part of the story — including matters arising from political disputes, state enforcement campaigns, commercial conflicts or the targeting of prominent business figures.
China, INTERPOL and Cross-Border Enforcement
A substantial part of Roger's international practice concerns Chinese clients and cases involving the People's Republic of China.
He has acted for more than 20 Chinese entrepreneurs, investors and high-net-worth individuals in matters involving the UK, United States, Singapore, Cambodia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Macau, France, Spain and other jurisdictions.
His recent work has included matters connected with Yadi Zhang, also known as Zhimin Qian, and Chen Zhi of the Prince Group — two of the most prominent Chinese criminal cases of recent years, both of which have attracted widespread attention in China and internationally.
Roger's China-related practice frequently involves allegations made by Chinese authorities which subsequently acquire an international dimension through INTERPOL Red Notices or Diffusions, extradition requests, criminal investigations, immigration measures, asset seizures, sanctions or parallel proceedings overseas.
Roger has particular experience assessing whether international criminal-law mechanisms are being used in cases influenced by political considerations, state enforcement campaigns or disputes involving powerful commercial or governmental interests.
His cases have included allegations concerning:
financial and investment fraud;
cryptocurrency and money laundering;
online gaming and gambling;
mining and natural resources;
banking and commercial disputes;
alleged organised crime; and
theft or misuse of commercially sensitive information.
A recurring feature of this work is the interaction between China's political and legal system and international criminal cooperation. Roger regularly works with experts on Chinese law, politics and human rights when challenging the international consequences of criminal allegations originating in China.
He has successfully obtained the deletion of INTERPOL data and Red Notices for Chinese clients and regularly advises individuals who believe that China may seek to use INTERPOL against them.
He also advises on preventative strategies where no Red Notice has yet been confirmed, including requests for access to INTERPOL data and pre-emptive submissions raising concerns about potential future requests.
Cryptocurrency
Roger is among a relatively small number of lawyers to have acted in some of the largest cryptocurrency-related criminal and asset-recovery cases internationally.
He represents Yadi Zhang, also known as Zhimin Qian, in proceedings arising from the seizure of more than 60,000 Bitcoin and continues to act in related High Court proceedings.
He has also acted in matters involving a senior executive of Terraform Labs and is presently instructed in major international proceedings concerning cryptocurrency, sanctions and asset forfeiture, including matters arising from the Prince Group investigation and the seizure of approximately 115,000 Bitcoin.
The allegations in those proceedings are contested.
INTERPOL Red Notices and the CCF
Roger has developed a specialist practice in INTERPOL law and applications to the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL's Files (CCF).
His work includes applications for the deletion of Red Notices and Diffusions, challenges under Article 3 of INTERPOL's Constitution concerning political neutrality, human-rights arguments under Article 2, and cases involving private or predominantly commercial disputes and the requirements of INTERPOL's Rules on the Processing of Data.
He has acted in numerous successful Red Notice deletion cases and represents clients around the world in proceedings before the CCF.
Roger is co-author of INTERPOL Law and Practice, published by Sweet & Maxwell/Thomson Reuters, a practitioner work examining the law governing INTERPOL, the CCF and applications for access, correction and deletion of data.
He was also the founding editor of Red Notice Monitor, which analyses developments in INTERPOL law and CCF practice.
Extradition
Roger has extensive experience defending extradition proceedings in the United Kingdom and advising on extradition risk internationally.
He was instructed in Sanchez-Sanchez v United Kingdom, the landmark Grand Chamber case concerning life-without-parole sentences and extradition to the United States.
His international work frequently requires the coordination of lawyers, experts and proceedings across several jurisdictions. He advises clients at the intersection of extradition, INTERPOL, immigration, sanctions and international asset recovery, where action taken in one country may have immediate consequences elsewhere.
Sanctions
Roger advises designated individuals, family members and corporate groups affected by UK, US, EU and UN sanctions regimes.
His work includes challenges to sanctions designations, applications and correspondence with OFSI and other sanctions authorities, as well as advice concerning frozen bank accounts, legal expenses, residential and commercial property, corporate structures and the practical consequences of designation.
He is presently involved in major multi-jurisdictional sanctions matters arising from enforcement action concerning Chinese and Southeast Asian business interests.
Financial Crime & Civil Recovery
Financial crime is a core part of Roger's practice. He is regularly instructed in serious and complex investigations involving insider dealing, money laundering, fraud, asset restraint and civil recovery.
In 2025, Roger represented Dema Almeziad in a high-profile FCA prosecution for insider dealing and money laundering, securing an acquittal following a three-month trial at Southwark Crown Court. The case attracted significant media attention, including coverage in the Financial Times.
Roger is also instructed in major civil recovery and forfeiture proceedings, including a £160 million civil recovery matter in the Isle of Man and the £5 billion High Court proceedings arising from the Zhang matter.
He advises clients from the earliest stages of investigation on search warrants, information requests, restraint, seizure and forfeiture applications, and regularly deals with the SFO, FCA, HMRC, NCA, US Department of Justice and FBI.
International Criminal Law
Roger is admitted to the List of Counsel before the International Criminal Court and previously spent several years at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
He acted as defence counsel for Berislav Pušić in Prosecutor v Prlić, one of the longest war crimes trials of the modern era.
Roger has also acted for and advised former heads of state in international proceedings, including Charles Taylor, former President of Liberia, before the Special Court for Sierra Leone, and Mikheil Saakashvili, former President of Georgia, in connection with refugee and human-rights issues before the European Court of Human Rights.
Reputation Management and Strategic Advice
Roger is regularly retained as a trusted adviser to high-net-worth individuals and business leaders, providing strategic advice on legal exposure, reputation and risk across multiple jurisdictions.
His role often extends beyond any single investigation, particularly where criminal, regulatory and public-facing issues overlap.
He also has extensive experience in cybercrime, digital evidence and serious domestic criminal cases, including allegations of sexual misconduct. Drawing on more than 25 years in practice, he advises clients with discretion and strategic perspective in highly sensitive matters.
Approach
Roger is particularly drawn to matters which are legally difficult, politically sensitive or strategically unusual, especially where early intervention can materially affect the course of an investigation or enforcement action.
His clients frequently instruct him before charge or before international enforcement measures have been taken, enabling a strategy to be developed across all affected jurisdictions.
Discretion is central to his practice, particularly when acting for individuals whose criminal, commercial and reputational interests overlap.
Media and Commentary
Roger regularly comments and writes on international criminal law, INTERPOL, financial crime, cryptocurrency and sanctions.
His cases and commentary have been reported by the Financial Times, The Times, Reuters, Bloomberg, BBC, Sky News and other international media.
A free thinker and one of the most able solicitors I have worked with.. sees the wood from the trees in the big cases. — Legal 500 QC
May I just use this opportunity to personally express my thanks and gratitude to Roger Sahota, an absolutely excellent expert lawyer. I’ve came across many solicitors during my lifetime, but the level of service they provide is uncommonly good — Client X
One of the best cross examiners... I really appreciated your submissions. — International Judge
Notable Criminal Law Cases
Cryptoassets
Roger Sahota has been instructed in some of the largest ever domestic and international crypto asset criminal prosecutions and investigations. Roger’s experience means he is one of the country's leading experts in this field. He regularly advises on crypto-related investigatory measures such as search warrants, restraint orders, asset detention applications, forfeiture, and disclosure applications, as well as Part V recovery proceedings. Recent case include:
R v Yadi Zhang - Representing defendant in criminal proceedings following largest ever BTC seizure of est. 60,000BTC valued at approx. £3billion as of April 2024 . Advised on challenging search warrants, restraint, asset detention applications, forfeiture, disclosure and criminal investigation and prosecution. The cryptoassets seized include one of the worlds ten largest bitcoin wallets.
Terraform Labs, Korea - advising CFO of Terraform Labs and co-defendant of Do Kwon, in respect of an Interpol Red Notice issued by South Korea following the collapse of the crashed stablecoin TerraUSD and cryptocurrency Luna.
B and C - Advising HNW individuals with substantial crypto asset holdings on regulatory and criminal exposure and risk.
X - advising client in FBI/DOJ investigation and freezing order re BTC transactions on Binance platform.
R v Ali - representing defendant in large scale BTC related fraud in UK. Advise on restraint and disclosure orders regarding BTC holdings and in criminal investigation and prosecution.
International
Prosecutor v Prlic & Others – one of the signature cases at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (“ICTY”) - trial of six senior officials in Croat administration of Herceg-Bosna. Roger acted as Defence Counsel for Berislav Pusic in a six year trial ending in 2013 and the subsequent appeal concluding at a hearing November 2017 with the passing of co—Defendant Slobodan Praljak after drinking poison,
Prosecutor v President Charles Taylor – trial of Liberian leader in UN Tribunal Special Court for Sierra Leone. Defence Co-counsel for President Taylor.
Mikheil Saakashvili – advising the former President of Georgia and Governor of Odessa on the legality of his expulsion from Ukraine (with Geoffrey Robertson QC)
Prosecutor v Karazdic – member of amicus team filing appeal v application of Joint Criminal Enterprise theory in proceedings before the ICTY.
Sanchez Sanchez v United Kingdom - first case featuring UK to be heard by the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights since Brexit and leading ECHR decision on extradition to the USA. Roger successfully obtained emergency Rule 39 Relief from the ECHR barring imminent removal to the USA.
Senior Iraqi Politician – advised in cross border blackmail and extortion allegations.
Horne v United Kingdom and Balahan v Sweden - Representing Accused in two appeals against extradition to the United States before the European Court of Human Rights.
Sanctions - advising businessman accused of illegal armament trading seeking removal from UK sanctions list.
Diplomatic Immunity - post charge advice and written submissions in intervention for US Marshall prosecuted in UK for unlawful conduct on airplane - prosecution withdrawn (2024).
Interpol
HNW Client - representing HNW Chinese businessman - securing deletion of Interpol Red Notice on fraud related charges.
HNW Consortium - representing group of HNW businessmen in South East Asia in a joint application to delete Interpol Red Notices.
X - Advising client on application to delete Red Notices from Jordan
Y - Red Notice from India deleted
Luke de Pulford - preventative application to Interpol warning against abusive Red Notice in respect of high profile China activist.
Advice on many other Interpol Red Notice Cases
Financial Crime
FCA v Korfuzi - Representing co-defendant in FCA insider trading prosecution, ongoing with 6 week trial scheduled for 2025.
SFO v Gerald Smith – UK’s largest ever confiscation order, parallel commercial court proceedings concerning disposal of assets following sale of Hyde park hotel portfolio and related commercial court and POCA proceedings.
NCA v F – representing son of Moldovan Prime Minister in one of the first UK Account Freezing Order Applications
Metropolitan Police v E - securing return and discharge of Account Freezing Order and unfreezing of accounts holding £1million.
HM – Businessman, securing return of £400,000 cash seized by police in contested cash seizure proceedings FF.
Successfully representing law firm in quashing search warrant in Divisional Court JR proceedings.
GM - Successfully representing documentary filmmaker in challenging illegal police search of home and securing return of property.
T – Businessmen accused in ongoing police financial crime investigation – securing return of £200,000 cash seized by police in contested cash seizure proceedings and quashing search warrants - CPS decide not to prosecute.
S - Businessmen in boiler room investigation – successfully challenging legality of search warrant - no prosecution.
JS - Police people smuggling investigation – successfully challenging legality of search warrant - CPS decide not to prosecute.
Extradition
USA v S – Representing alleged Mexican Cartel leader in USA extradition request re charges of murder and importing heroin
Govt of India v A – successfully representing Indian businessman in defeating extradition proceedings
Govt of India v L– successfully representing Indian accountant in defeating extradition proceedings
Germany v R – HNW businessman request for extradition on basis of organising tax avoidance scheme
USA v R - representing accused challenging extradition to USA in in wire fraud prosecution
HNW Music Industry Promoter – intervention defeating mutual legal assistance request and averting potential extradition
Reputation Management
Senior Member of Middle Eastern Royal Family – pre-charge intervention averting criminal prosecution
Dr M - Plastic Surgeon acquitted of racially aggravated assault following crown court trial
B - Senior aide to Russian billionaire - pre-charge intervention averting prosecution in assault case
R, Chartered Accountant – pre-charge intervention averting prosecution in assault case
H, Chartered Accountant – pre-charge intervention averting prosecution in assault case
H, Businessman – post-charge intervention resulting in CPS decision to discontinue private prosecution for conspiracy to commit fraud
R v I – Attempted Murder, gang related allegation, all charges dropped pre-trial
R v JD - representing anaesthetist charged with stealing drugs from hospital in high profile prosecution.
Sexual Assault Allegations
Ultra HNW CEO of international property developers - pre-charge intervention averting prosecution in sexual assault case
HNW Monaco based businessman – pre-charge advice in sexual assault allegation, no criminal prosecution ensued
HNW CEO of financial company - pre-charge intervention averting prosecution in sexual assault case
Rev C - pre-charge intervention averting prosecution in historic sexual assault case against member of clergy
C – advising former military officer in in historic sexual assault allegation with national media coverage
Dr P - representing GP accused of multiple sexual assaults on patients in 3 month trial
R v W – Defending former public school teacher in historic sexual assault allegation
R v P - Medical student - conviction averted after hung jury at trial in 2022
R v D - Businessman - acquitted of rape after jury trial in 2023
R v T I- T professional - charges of sexual assault dismissed in Crown Court 2023
Cyber Crime
HNW Businessman - post-charge intervention persuading CPS to drop charges in cyber- crime prosecution
R v A and R v H - Two separate recent cases representing IT professionals accused of Computer Misuse Act offences
R v A, Senior Academic, pre-charge intervention averting prosecution in indecent images investigation
R v P - Businessman, pre- charge intervention resulting in charges being discontinued in indecent images investigation
R v I IT professional, pre- charge intervention resulting in charges being discontinued in indecent images investigation
R v J, X, V - three separate cases in 2023 where charges dropped after defence submissions in Crown Court prosecution for indecent images
Client Testimonials
“Roger Sahota is an outstanding lawyer I could not have wished for better. I recommend everyone to Mr Sahota, he represented me at a difficult time.”
— M Y
“Amazing - so grateful to Roger for what he has done. What a great solicitor - he was reliable, helpful and professional. He went out of his way and has made such a huge difference to me and my children. Brilliant outcome. Would definitely recommend to others. — K N
“I cannot thank Roger and Daniel enough for the efforts and services they provided. Roger always kept a calm, organised and positive outlook from day one which helped me do the same during this lengthy wait for trial as well as everything preceding. My family and I all feel extremely well represented by you both and it’s been a pleasure to have met you. I wish you both very well in the future.” — R T (Medical Professional)
“I would like to say thank you for your help and support throughout my case. I am truly appreciative of all the hard work both you and Andrew put into my case.” — NS
"I was pleased with Mr Sahota’s attitude from the very first time I met him in the office and later at court proceedings. I found him as very friendly, calm and helpful with a very professional attention to details and professional conduct. Thanks to him we managed to put things right. I wish no one experienced such a matter but if it happens I would strongly recommend Mr Roger Sahota as reliable resource of legal help.” — M Y
“I am very very satisfied and happy to be a part of the winning streak of Roger Sahota in handling and defending legal cases. I picked him up to represent me based on the reviews given to him and I did not regret it. He is very professional and well-mannered. Having put my trust in him, he was able to intelligently and comprehensively outline my defense and clearly presented it to my accuser; hence the case was won handily. In this regard, i am giving a 5-star review of Roger Sahota’s accomplishment.” — M C
Read more client reviews for Roger on our testimonials page.
Criminal Law Articles
Amicus Curiae Motion for Review of Joint Criminal Enterprise Doctrine, MICT Filed 24th August 2017
Guide to Criminal Finances Act 2017, Roger Sahota, Law Society Gazette, 23rd May 2017
Would your AML practices make the SRA 'raise an eyebrow'?, Roger Sahota, Solicitors Journal, October 9 2015
Roger Sahota - Legal Network Television DVD - a practitioners guide to changes made by the Serious Crime Act to POCA 2002, October 2015
From Russia With Cash - Roger Sahota writes for Property Drum Magazine, September 2015
Guide to Serious Crime Act 2015, Roger Sahota, Law Society Gazette, June 2015 (with Nicholas Yeo, barrister)
Solicitors Guide to Search Warrants, Roger Sahota, Law Society Gazette, June 2014 (with Rupert Bowers QC)
Orders Need to Suit the Facts, Roger Sahota, Law Society Gazette, September 2013
Clarifying the Hearsay Rule, Roger Sahota, Criminal Law and Justice Weekly, June 2013 (with Tim Welch)
Memberships
Solicitors Association of Higher Courts Advocates – Secretary
Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association
Law Society Human Rights Section
Law Society Advocacy Section Steering Committee
Court of Appeal Users Group
London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association
Association of Defence Lawyers Practising Before the ICTY
Society of Labour Lawyers