Private Prosecutions

Contact

Polly Sprenger
Partner
+44 (0)20 3334 8333
[email protected]

Contact

Polly Sprenger
Partner
+44 (0)20 3334 8333
[email protected]

Most criminal cases are brought by public authorities. But when law enforcement can’t or won’t act, individuals, companies, or public bodies who are the victims of crime may be forced to take action themselves. Private prosecutions—a unique feature of the courts of England and Wales—offer a powerful remedy for victims of serious fraud, misconduct, and corporate crime to pursue justice, particularly when state resources are limited, delayed, or unavailable.

At Michelman Robinson, we guide clients through the full life cycle of an investigation and subsequent prosecution—from early assessment and evidence gathering to liaison with enforcement agencies, court proceedings, asset recovery, and post-judgment enforcement. Our approach is rigorous, pragmatic, and outcome-driven, and we’re recognized for our “outstanding attention to detail, and the ability to step back and see the broader, longer-term picture.”

Staffed by former public prosecutors and criminal investigators, our Chambers- and Legal 500-recognized private prosecutions practice brings together lawyers, forensic accountants, and investigators who work seamlessly to provide expert guidance and support in the most difficult, high-stakes circumstances. Led by one of the longest-standing practitioners in the London market—described as “an intelligent, forceful litigator, well supported by some talented associates”—the practice combines deep litigation bench strength with investigative, financial, and case management expertise.

Our professionals regularly publish and speak on topics such as the interplay between civil and criminal claims, the lawful conduct of investigations, procedural best practice and reforms to private prosecutor oversight. The private prosecutions team also conducts bespoke training for corporate clients, professional teams, compliance, audit and legal units to equip them for internal investigations, escalation protocols and litigation readiness.

Areas of Focus

  • Early Assessment & Strategic Planning
  • Investigations & Evidence Development
  • Liaison with Public Authorities
  • Pleadings & Case Management
  • Court Advocacy & Trial Representation
  • Asset Tracing, Freezing & Recovery
  • Post-Judgment Enforcement, Appeals & Parallel Proceedings
  • Training, preparedness and advisory support

Representative Matters

  • : Representing victims of a cross-border fraudulent investment scheme to trace and restrain assets, investigate and gather evidence to prosecute five co-conspirators, and pursue parallel remand and contempt actions against two defendants.
  • : Acting for the family of a high-profile individual whose assets were allegedly misappropriated through power of attorney arrangements, including tracing and restraining assets and obtaining numerous witness summonses against banks, local authorities, estate agents, auction houses, police forces, social workers, and carers to protect a vulnerable victim who had lost capacity.
  • : Conducting a high-value cross-border fraud investigation, advising on potential criminal liability and jurisdictional nexus under UK law, and analysing the dissipation of proceeds through financial institutions in the UK and Switzerland.
  • : Assisted an insurance company in uncovering the false identity of a business partner who concealed a criminal past and was wanted on outstanding warrants, including engagement with law enforcement in two jurisdictions.
  • : Conducted an investigation into a £23 million fraud in the charitable sector, obtaining evidence through targeted court orders to support the return of control of the charities to independent oversight and providing evidential packages to law enforcement and regulators.
  • : Worked on behalf of a multinational pharmaceutical and medical device company to investigate a long-running fraud and kickback scheme within an overseas subsidiary, preparing detailed investigation reports and advising on law enforcement engagement.
  • : Acted for non-executive directors, secured lenders, and administrators of an insolvent telecoms company to uncover a $45 million fraud and prevent attempts to expand the scheme to other lenders. Represented the clients in discussions with law enforcement to ensure the alleged perpetrators were held to account.
  • : Worked alongside administrators of an insolvent company to uncover one of the largest Ponzi schemes to impact the asset-backed lending industry, engaging with law enforcement to support and secure searches and arrests.
  • : Conducted a cold-case review of hundreds of historic private prosecutions following the Criminal Cases Review Commission and Court of Appeal quashing of convictions. Advised on best-practice criminal case management and developed standard operating procedures to ensure judicial integrity.