Stephen is an experienced Criminal Lawyer, having specialised in white collar and business crime for over 30 years.
He has defended cases brought by the Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue and Customs, the Department of Business Innovation and Skills, the Crown Prosecution Service Economic Crime Unit and the Ministry of Defence Police.
Stephen has dealt with cases involving complex financial fraud, bribery and corruption, the avoidance of tax through complex offshore investment structures, fraudulent trading, advanced fee and boiler room frauds and money laundering. He has advised clients (including fellow professionals), in relation to investigations into financial crime including witnesses required to make statements to investigative agencies under compulsory powers.
- Representing two individuals under investigation by HMRC Fraud Investigation Service for an alleged major tax fraud perpetrated by the use of sophisticated offshore structures. The clients featured in an episode of BBC Panorama exposing wealthy persons who had allegedly avoided UK tax liability. The programme followed the release of the Paradise Papers in the autumn of 2017. The disclosure exercise involved the use of sophisticated software and the analysis of over 18,000 documents. Steve successfully persuaded HMRC to take no further action against the clients in the criminal investigation.
- Successfully defending a leading defendant in a prosecution by the CPS and HMRC in relation to a major conspiracy to defraud insurance companies by alleged use of the “cash for crash” ruse, a fraudulent activity that according to the insurance industry is costing tens of millions of pounds every year. The conspiracy straddled issues of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, tax evasion and perverting the course of justice. The prosecution offered no evidence after 59 days of legal argument.
- Representing a defendant in a major investigation by Essex Police into alleged fraud perpetrated by a syndicate against a major online gaming company.
- Advising a lead suspect in the Grenfell Tower criminal investigation.
- Advising a UK company being investigated by the Ministry of Defence Police for an alleged defence procurement fraud.
- Advising a foreign Government in relation to ongoing fraud and corruption prosecutions.
“Stephen Sharp is one of the most experienced solicitors I have had the pleasure of coming across over the past 10 years. He exudes a confidence which settles all clients, even those of a nervous disposition. He is a force to be reckoned with and is well respected in this area of work.” – Legal 500 UK
“Stephen Sharp is a superb lawyer with over 30 years’ experience in this area. He has a keen eye for detail, a great tactician. Here is good at getting to the crux of a case quickly. He gives clear and robust advice.” – Legal 500 UK
Stephen is a member of the following associations:
- Member of the Fraud Lawyers Association
- Member of the International Bar Associatio