White-Collar Crime Legal Experts
Our White Collar & Investigations Practice consists of a team of experts well-equipped to advise on regulatory issues, investigations, and complex white-collar crime matters. With extensive experience in both civil and criminal cases, we excel in representing and guiding clients thorough large-scale internal investigations.
Commitment to Our Clients
We are committed to providing our clients with fair and thorough representation from the initial stages of police investigations to the conclusion of proceedings in Court. Whether you are the subject of investigations or in need of defence against white-collar crime charges, we strive to achieve the best possible resolution for you.
For the corporate clients, illegal activities can lead to substantial financial penalties and reputational harm. We provide expert assistance in managing both internal and regulatory investigations, ensuring that our clients navigate these complex situations with confidence and effectiveness.
What is White-Collar Crime?
White-collar crime involves non-violent offences committed for financial gain. It can take many forms. In Singapore, these crimes are characterized by cheating, concealment, and violation of trust, typically aimed at obtaining money, property, or services for personal or business advantage. Sometimes, individuals unknowingly commit these offenses.
Our firm provides comprehensive legal advice and representation in various white-collar crime matters, including:
- Anti-Money Laundering: Compliance with the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act 1992 (“CDSA”) and directives from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”).
- Bribery and Corruption: Violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1960 (PCA).
- Cybercrimes: Offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1993 and Cybersecurity Act 2018.
- Data Protection Breaches: Issues related to the Personal Data Protection Act 2012.
- Corporate Governance: Offenses under the Banking Act 1970, Insurance Act 1966, and Companies Act 1967.
- Fraud and Forgery: Including cheating, criminal breach of trust, and Ponzi schemes.
- Tax Evasion and Missing Trader Fraud.
- Market Manipulation and Insider Trading: Under the Securities and Futures Act 2001, SGX Listing Rules, and Regulations.
- Multi-level Marketing, Pyramid Schemes
- Extradition and International Assistance: For cross-border criminal matters.
How Our Criminal Defence Lawyers Can Help
Raids, Requests for Information, and Seizures of Assets
Police and authorities may conduct raids, request information, or seize items like phones or laptops to gather evidence that may be relevant to their investigations. We help you understand your rights and the legal limits on what the police can do during the enforcement process, raid or seizure.
CAD Investigations & Interviews
The Commercial Affairs Department of the Singapore Police Force may have contacted you for an interview because they are investigating suspicious financial activities related to you, need your assistance as a witness in a financial crime, or believe you have evidence crucial to their investigation. We will guide you through the process, help you understand your case, explain what to expect during the investigation, and advise you on your rights in attending a police interview. Our lawyers have advised in cases where the CAD decided to close their investigations without bringing any charges.
Representation and Mitigation
If charges are brought against you, we offer robust defence strategies. This includes representation in court, advising you on how to prepare a mitigation plea. Our experienced team will represent you throughout the trial process and ensure that your defence is meticulously prepared and presented.
Internal Investigations
We conduct thorough internal investigations for companies facing issues such as internal theft or fraud. Whether a director or senior officer suspects internal theft or a corporate executive whistle-blows to expose cheating, we can guide clients through the entire investigation. Additionally, we are able to collaborate with forensic experts, where appropriate, to uncover any misconduct and ensure a comprehensive review of legal, procedural and governance issues.
Regulatory Investigations
We assist financial institutions, public listed companies and private companies in navigating regulatory inquiries from regulatory bodies such as the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, the Commercial Affairs Department, the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). Our expertise includes responding to regulatory queries, managing compliance issues, and addressing concerns related to frozen funds.
White-collar crime and investigations is a complex field that presents unique commercial challenges and reputational risks, requiring specialised expertise to craft effective strategies. Our clients benefit from the extensive experience of our team, led by Amos Cai and Denise Teo, with Denise bringing years of experience from a Big Four law firm specializing in high-profile white-collar crime and commercial investigations.
For more information, contact us to schedule a confidential discussion.
