Following three trial proceedings involving seven defendants over an eight-year period, Barnaby Hone, on behalf of the Royal Mail Group, prosecuted a complex case against a web of individuals who were importing forged stamps, culminating in the final confiscation order against the last remaining defendant.
The Court determined a benefit figure in excess of £3 million, with an available amount of over £2 million. This included a substantial hidden asset finding and the resolution of a contested issue as to whether a property held in the name of the defendant’s brother was, in fact, beneficially owned by the defendant. The Court found that it was. A compliance order was also imposed.
The confiscation proceedings were complex and protracted, involving extensive evidence from China, detailed expert financial analysis, and a lengthy investigation.
Barnaby Hone is a barrister with specialist expertise in all types of asset recovery and financial crime (both criminal and civil). He works on all circuits in England and Wales, as well as being regularly instructed on international matters. He is regularly instructed as a Junior alone or as a leading Junior in complicated matters. He represents Defendants, third parties, and a range of law enforcement agencies (including the SFO, HMRC and the NCA).
He is ranked in Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500, Band 2 & Tier 2, for his expertise within asset recovery matters. Barnaby has contributed to publications on International Asset Recovery and Terrorism Finance.
