Roger Sahota
Partner
”One of the most able solicitors I have ever worked with”
Roger Sahota is a criminal defence lawyer of international repute. He takes on cases that big law firms and others shy away from.
He is highly selective about the work he accepts and the clients he represents. His firm does not pay for promotional rankings. His background shaped by work in international courts and on complex cases alongside leading global law firms, sets him apart. His clients come to him through recommendation, often because they are already aware of his track record and the outcomes he has achieved. The more complex the case, the greater the professional challenge—and the stronger his interest.
Roger is drawn to cases that are difficult, ground-breaking, or politically and commercially sensitive. This is where judgment, strategy, and experience matter most.
CryptoCrime
Roger is one of a small band of lawyers worldwide to have worked on some of the largest cryptocurrency prosecutions ever brought.
He represents Yadi Zhang (also known as Zhimin Qian) in proceedings arising from what was formerly the largest money-laundering prosecution in UK history, involving the seizure of more than 60,000 Bitcoin valued at in excess of £5billion. The case has raised fundamental questions about crypto-asset enforcement, forfeiture, and the increasing use of criminal prosecutions as a mechanism for state asset recovery. He continues to act in related High Court proceedings.
Roger was extensively quoted in the Financial Times, The Times, Bloomberg, Sky News, Reuters and other international media for his role in this case.
He is currently instructed in an even larger Bitcoin-related investigation, acting for Mr Chen Zhi and the Prince Group, who face allegations in the UK and US relating to sanctions, cryptocurrency fraud, and human rights violations. These allegations are contested and will be vigorously fought.
Roger has also advised the CFO of Terraform Labs CJ Hoon following the collapse of TerraForma including forensic work on INTERPOL Red Notices and international criminal exposure. He maintains a watching brief for a number of HNW businessmen with large crypt holdings on developments in the crypto criminal and regulatory sphere.
China
Discretion and strategic judgment are central to Roger’s work with high-net-worth Chinese clients. He is widely recognised as a leading authority on advising Chinese entrepreneurs and business leaders who believe they have been politically targeted by the authorities of the People’s Republic of China.
Roger has acted for more than 20 high-net-worth individuals in matters spanning Southeast Asia and beyond, including cases involving Cambodia, Singapore, the US, UK, France, Spain, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Macau. Many of his clients have been affected by politically driven enforcement campaigns often under the guise of criminal or regulatory investigations. Such actions can involve Interpol Red Notices, extradition requests, asset seizures, criminal investigations, and the targeting of wealthy individuals with limited or no overt political involvement.
Roger has represented clients facing allegations ranging from online gambling and financial fraud to investment-related offences, banking and mining fraud, cryptocurrency-related offences, and alleged participation in criminal organisations. Roger has also provided expert evidence on the China’s targeting of HNW individuals and in the online gaming arena, the operation of Article 303 of the Chinese Criminal Code and other aspects of the Chinese political and legal system. He is known in the industry as the go-to lawyer in this field.
He has an exceptional track record in INTERPOL matters and has successfully secured the deletion of numerous Red Notices on behalf of Chinese high-net-worth clients.
INTERPOL and Extradition
A significant part of Roger’s practice focuses on challenging INTERPOL Red Notices as well as defending individuals in UK extradition proceedings. He has acted for numerous high-net-worth business figures and has secured the deletion of multiple Red Notices. In addition he has dealt with and defeated numerous extradition requests in the UK Courts. He was instructed in Sanchez Sanchez, the first UK case to be heard by the Grand Chamber post brexit and now the leading authority on Life Without Parole defences to US extradition requests.
Roger has a particular scholarly and professional interest in INTERPOL’s legal framework. He is an editor of the Red Notice Monitor and is currently co-authoring a practitioner text on INTERPOL law for a leading legal publisher.
Financial Crime & Civil Recovery
Financial crime is a core part of Roger Sahota’s practice. He is regularly instructed in serious and complex cross border investigations involving insider dealing, money laundering, and parallel criminal and civil proceedings, often where the financial and reputational consequences are severe. In the summer of 2025, he represented Dema Almeziad securing a rare acquittal in a high-profile FCA insider dealing and money laundering prosecution following a three-month trial at Southwark Crown Court. The case attracted widespread attention, and Roger was extensively quoted in leading international financial media including the Financial Times.
Roger is also instructed in some of the largest civil recovery proceedings currently underway, including a £160 million civil recovery case in the Isle of Man and the £5 billion civil recovery proceedings arising out of the Zhang matter in the High Court in London. He is presently collaborating with U.S. counsel on a USD 15 billion civil forfeiture application relating to the Prince Group, noted as the largest civil forfeiture application ever brought. His practice includes leading and coordinating multi-jurisdictional legal teams, with significant experience in cross-border investigations spanning the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
Frequently dealing with the SFO, HMRC, FCA, DOJ and FBI he regularly advises individuals, professionals, and small companies from the earliest stages of investigation, including challenging search warrants and other intrusive investigatory measures, responding to information requests, and resisting restraint, seizure, and forfeiture applications—often in cases where strategic judgment is required long before any charge is brought.
Sanctions
Sanctions is another key area of Roger Sahota’s expertise. He has substantial experience advising individuals, families, and corporate groups on the impact of sanctions regimes and advising on challenging OFAC, OFSI, UN and EU sanctions designations and their international consequences. He is currently advising and assisting the Prince Group on sanctions-related matters following the imposition of sanctions in multiple jurisdictions
His work includes dealing with the practical and commercial fallout that follows, including asset freezes, access to bank accounts and restrictions on the management, occupation, and disposal of high-value residential and commercial property.
Roger has also dealt with complex corporate and ownership structures affected by sanctions, including companies placed into liquidation and other alternative structuring solutions. He has experience dealing with multi-jurisdictional structures involving offshore jurisdictions such as the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands, particularly where liquidators are appointed and overlapping sanctions regimes apply.
International Criminal Law
Roger is admitted to the List of Counsel before the International Criminal Court and previously worked for 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 modern time, and was present in court during the final hearing at which General Slobodan Praljak took his own life.
He has also acted for former heads of state before international courts, including President Charles Taylor of Liberia in the Special Court for Sierra Leone and advising former Georgian premier Mikhail Saakashvili on refugee issues before the European Court of Human Rights.
Reputation Management
Roger is regularly retained as the homme d’affaires for high-net-worth individuals and business leaders, advising on reputation, risk, and exposure across multiple jurisdictions. His role often extends beyond any single investigation, encompassing strategic guidance on how legal, regulatory, and public-facing risks intersect.
He has particular expertise in matters involving cybercrime and digital evidence, as well as in serious domestic criminal prosecutions, including allegations of sexual misconduct. Over the course of a 25-year career, his experience has covered almost every aspect of domestic and international criminal law, enabling him to advise with depth, discretion, and perspective in the most sensitive situations.
Recognition
Frequently featuring in television and media interviews on breaking legal issues, Roger also regularly writes and blogs on legal issues for mainstream media and legal journals. Roger’s unique international and domestic criminal law experience means that he is repeatedly instructed in many ground-breaking criminal cases.
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
Cryptoassests
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