R v Perkins (2017)
Representing the director of a public relations firm accused of a £700,000 tax fraud.
Nicholas Yeo is a leading criminal practitioner with particular expertise in financial crime, the proceeds of crime and investigative powers.
He is the Legal 500 ‘Criminal Junior of the Year 2018’.
Recent serious fraud cases include representing a corporate executive in the Barclays – Qatar fraud, a company director accused of insider dealing and money laundering in the FCA “Operation Tabernula” trial, acting for a former Goldman Sachs banker accused of money laundering in the Ibori litigation, acting for a former chief executive in the Torex Retail fraud prosecution, and advising suspects pre-charge in the Unaoil investigation.
Recent investigative powers matters include acting for the wife of the former Deputy Chief of Mission for Chad in the USA in her appeal against the refusal to discharge a £4.4m freezing order in Serious Fraud Office v Saleh (CA) [2017] Lloyd’s Rep. F.C. 177, assisting the FBI in a billion dollar global anti-corruption investigation and acting for the British Airline Pilots Association in connection with the Shoreham Air Crash.
Recent Proceeds of Crime work include representing a senior New York based Barclays trader in confiscation proceedings following the Libor fraud trial, acting for a Nigerian Limited Company in a $1bn corruption investigation (Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd v DPP [2016] Lloyd’s Rep. F.C. 108) and representing a car salesman in an appeal against confiscation in a leading confiscation case Scott King [2014] 2 Cr. App. R. (S.) 54.
Recent judicial review instructions include R (Chief Constable of Cleveland Constabulary) v Police Appeals Tribunal [2017] I.C.R. 1212 on Article 8 in discipline proceedings, R (Hewson) v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis regarding harassment notices and R (O) v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis re time limits on police bail.
He is currently acting for the former chief executive of Barclays wealth and investment management in the Barclays-Qatar capital raising trial.
He has particular expertise in the following areas:
Representing the director of a public relations firm accused of a £700,000 tax fraud.
Representing a man accused of historic sexual offences.
Representing a Sri Lankan businessman and director of a money service bureau, accused of tax fraud and the laundering of over £7m through his business.
Allegation of £113m Drug smuggling. In the Court of Appeal and retrial. A leading case on third party disclosure.
Particularity of conduct in money laundering.
Robbery with a firearm. A leading case on identification by voice.
First prosecution of Internet Service Provider for providing access to indecent images of children.
Grievous bodily harm. A leading case on the automatic deportation provisions.
Recent serious fraud cases include representing a corporate executive in the Barclays – Qatar fraud, a company director accused of insider dealing and money laundering in the FCA “Operation Tabernula” trial, acting for a former Goldman Sachs banker accused of money laundering in the Ibori litigation, acting for a former chief executive in the Torex Retail fraud prosecution, and advising suspects pre-charge in the Unaoil investigation.
Recent Proceeds of Crime work include representing a senior New York based Barclays trader in confiscation proceedings following the Libor fraud trial, acting for a Nigerian Limited Company in a $1bn corruption investigation (Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd v DPP [2016] Lloyd’s Rep. F.C. 108) and representing a car salesman in an appeal against confiscation in a leading confiscation case Scott King [2014] 2 Cr. App. R. (S.) 54.
Recent investigative powers matters include acting for the wife of the former Deputy Chief of Mission for Chad in the USA in her appeal against the refusal to discharge a £4.4m freezing order in Serious Fraud Office v Saleh (CA) [2017] Lloyd’s Rep. F.C. 177, assisting the FBI in a billion dollar global anti-corruption investigation and acting for the British Airline Pilots Association in connection with the Shoreham Air Crash.
He is currently instructed in the London Capital and Finance case.
Acting for the former head of wealth in the trial of allegations relating to the 2008 capital raising fraud.
Acting for the wife of the former Deputy Chief of Mission for Chad in the USA in her appeal against the refusal to discharge a £4.4m freezing order.
Advising and representing (with Hugo Keith QC) a former CEO of this Public Limited Company in a prosecution for falsely inflating the company's interim results.
Representing a former Goldman Sachs investment manager accused of laundering the assets of a corrupt Nigerian State Governor through London.
Nick has detailed knowledge of the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 and various sanctions regimes made thereunder, including the current Russia Sanctions EU Exit Regulations 2019. He advises upon the application for these provisions in particular in the context of financial transactions and the operation of trusts.
Nicholas Yeo is a leading police law barrister and much sought after to represent police officers nationwide in disciplinary proceedings and in criminal proceedings before the Crown Court. He has acted for over 100 police officers in the last few years.
He has particular knowledge of the application of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights as applied to the private life of police officers. He recently represented a former police inspector in R (Chief Constable of Cleveland Constabulary) v Police Appeals Tribunal [2017] I.C.R. 1212 which is now the leading case on the topic.
He recently acted for a custody sergeant accused of lying about the circumstances of a death after recent contact with police.
He regularly acts for the MPS Commissioner in search and seizure matters.
Representing a police inspector accused of breaching professional standards by lying to fellow senior officers about a private illicit relationship in order to protect other parties involved. The Inspector was reinstated by the PAT and successfully resisted a judicial review of that decision on the basis of the violation of his right to a private life.
Representing a police sergeant accused of unlawfully authorizing a strip search and advising the interested party in the subsequent attempting judicial review.
Representing a sexual offences investigations officer accused of forming an inappropriate sexual relationship with a former teenage victim. The case involved an analysis of what was proscribed by the MPS in this regard and the right of free association between the two parties, under Article 8.
Acting for one of four police officers accused of systemically abusing the MPS overtime policy within the TSG group.
Nicholas Yeo acts for police services and other interested parties in inquests. Recent work includes the Inquest touching upon the deaths of Zohra Amrani and Hassan Amrani, on behalf of a police sergeant who granted bail to the man who went on to murder his mother and father, before killing himself. He is currently instructed by the Metropolitan Police Service in the inquest touching upon the death of Jermaine Baker who was shot by specialist firearms officers as he and his accomplices were attempting to assist the escape of Izzet Eren whilst on his way to Wood Green Crown Court.
Representing the British Airline Pilots Association, before the Lord Chief Justice, in its opposition to the disclosure of material protected under the Civil Aviation (Investigation of Air Accidents and Incidents) Regulations 1996.
Acting for Lincolnshire police in an inquest into the death of a Red Arrows pilot when his ejector seat malfunctioned.
Representing a police officer who granted bail to a man who went on to murder his mother and father, before killing himself.
Representing the MPS in an inquest into the death of Jermaine Baker who was shot by an officer of the Metropolitan Police Service Specialist Firearms as he and his accomplices were attempting to assist the escape of Izzet Eren, who was being held on remand at HMP Wormwood Scrubs accused of gun offences, from a prison van going to court.
Nicholas Yeo acts for the person sought, the judicial authority and the requesting state in extradition cases, at first instance and on appeal. He advises on cross-border evidence gathering and mutual legal assistance. He has written various articles on extradition and lectures on the subject.
Recent cases include acting for a British man sought by USA in relation to a payment card fraud commenced in the Netherlands, and a Turkish national sought by Germany for offences for which he had already been prosecuted and effectively pardoned in Turkey.
Representing a British resident accused of stealing credit card details in the Netherlands for use in USA (Particulars of conduct).
Representing a Turkish national who had been prosecuted in Turkey for robbery with a firearm offence committed in Germany (Double Jeopardy).
Judicial Review of decision to extradite.
Representing an Albanian national sought for drug trafficking offences for which he had been tried and convicted in his absence.
Nicholas Yeo acts for claimants and respondents in judicial review proceedings. He has particular experience in matters arising out of due criminal process, professional discipline and licensing decisions.
Recent cases include acting for the CPS in a judicial review and habeas corpus application relating to the legality of magistrates’ decision to remand in absence, a judicial review of a decision to extend custody time limits.
Acting for the Metropolitan Police Commissioner defending a claim that a prevention of harassment letter sent to a practicing barrister breached her rights under ECHR art.8 or art.10 and was procedurally unfair.
Representing a police inspector accused of breaching professional standards by lying to fellow senior officers about a private illicit relationship in order to protect other parties involved. The Inspector was reinstated by the PAT and successfully resisted a judicial review of that decision on the basis of the violation of his right to a private life.
Acting for a certified bailiff in his judicial review of the Secretary of State’s refusal to provide him with data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Association.
Judicial Review of a refusal to transfer a premises license in respect of the La Pigalle nightblub.
The proper approach to costs in magistrates' court civil proceedings.
Nicholas Yeo acts for applicants, responsible authorities and licensing authorities in all areas of licensing.
Recent cases include acting for the Metropolitan Police in a variety of applications to review premises licences and for the applicant in a judicial review of a decision of Westminster City Council to refuse to renew a licence.
Regularly appears before licensing sub committees and magistrates courts, and has acted in the High Court on behalf of clients bring judicial review claims.
Judicial Review of a refusal to transfer a premises license in respect of the La Pigalle nightclub.
Acting for local residents in their opposition to the grant of a new restaurant license.
Judicial review of the refusal by RB Kingston Licensing Committee to renew a nightclub licence due to allegations of serious disorder. Judicial review on the basis of apparent bias by the legal adviser and on the basis of fundamental procedural error in the submission of the application under section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003.
Closure order.
Legality of closure orders under the Licensing Act 2003.
Judicial Review of decision to refuse the grant of a Hackney carriage licence.
Nicholas Yeo has particular experience of trading standards matters and criminal offences arising out of licensing matters.
He recently acted for an individual who operated a household maintenance firm accused of gross over charging and “rogue trading” in one of the largest local authority prosecutions ever brought.
Advising and representing the first defendant in one of the largest 'rogue trader' prosecutions ever brought by a local authority.
Time limits in trading standards cases.
Territorial limit of local authorities' enforcement power.
Long running SIA prosecution.
R v Perkins
(Southwark Criminal Court (2017))
Representing the director of a public relations firm accused of a £700,000 tax fraud.
R v Nathanial Navaratnam
(Southwark Crown Court (2017))
Representing a Sri Lankan owner of a bureau de change, accused of money laundering through his stall in Paddington.
R v Goonatilaka
(Harrow Crown Court (2017))
Representing a man accused of historic sexual offences.
R v Prasad
(Lewes Crown Court (2017))
Representing a man accused of possession of class A drugs and perverting the course of justice by framing his girlfriend and colleagues
R v Cox
(Central Criminal Court (2017))
Representing a member of the Metropolitan Police Service Diplomatic Protection Command accused of encouraging attempted child grooming online.
R v Murfitt
(Inner London Crown Court (2017))
Representing a company director accused of defrauding an investor in Kenyan property.
R v Boorman
(Southwark Criminal Court (2017))
Representing a company director accused of a £2.6 million fraud relating to mobile phone contracts.
R v Couzens
(Central Criminal Court (2016))
Representing company director accused of abusing his position in a large City firm by taking a cut of each of his team’s fees.
R v Anton Marianayagam
(Snaresbrook Crown Court)
Representing a Sri Lankan businessman and director of a money service bureau, accused of tax fraud and the laundering of over £7m through his business.
R v Mayuran Kuhathasan
(Southwark Crown Court)
Representing an account director of a leading international telecom airtime provider accused of laundering £10.5m of cash through payments for airtime.
SFO v Moore (the Torex Retail Plc litigation)
(Oxford Crown Court)
Advising and representing (with Hugo Keith QC) a former CEO of this Public Limited Company in a prosecution for falsely inflating the company’s interim results.
R v Preko (the Ibori Litigation)
(Southwark Crown Court)
Representing a former Goldman Sachs investment manager accused of laundering the assets of a corrupt Nigerian State Governor through London.
R v Mintchev
(Court of Appeal ([2011] Crim LR 483))
(Archbold [5–1267])
Grievous bodily harm. A leading case on the automatic deportation provisions.
R v Flook
(Court of Appeal ([2010] 1WLR 980))
(Archbold [12-51] and [12-77])
Allegation of £113m Drug smuggling. In the Court of Appeal and retrial. A leading case on third party disclosure.
R v Anwoir
(Court of Appeal ([2009] 1 WLR 980))
(Archbold [26-11]) (with Simon Farrell QC)
Particularity of conduct in money laundering.
R v Flynn
(Court of Appeal ([2008] 2 Cr App 20))
(Archbold [14-71]-[14-74]
Robbery with a firearm. A leading case on identification by voice.
Operation Alpine
First prosecution of Internet Service Provider for providing access to indecent images of children.
R (Chief Constable of Cleveland Constabulary) v Police Appeals Tribunal
[2017] I.C.R. 1212
Representing a police inspector accused of breaching professional standards by lying to fellow senior officers about a private illicit relationship in order to protect other parties involved. The Inspector was reinstated by the PAT and successfully resisted a judicial review of that decision on the basis of the violation of his right to a private life.
Inner Circle
Representing eight police officers accused of sending inappropriate text messages in two week-long discipline hearings.
R (X) v IPCC
Advising firearms officers of Northumbria police on the IPCC investigation into a fatal shooting.
Cyril Dyke
Representing a sexual offences officer accused of forming an inappropriate sexual relationship with a former teenage victim. The case involved an analysis of what was proscribed by the MPS in this regard and the right of free association between the two parties.
PS Sheppard
Acting for one of four police officers accused of systemically abusing the MPS overtime policy within the TSG group.
Inquest touching upon the deaths of Zohra Amrani and Hassan Amrani
Inquest representing a police officer who granted bail to a man who went on to murder his mother and father before killing himself.
Inquest touching upon the death of Anthony Coughtrey
Acting for a custody sergeant who was said to have filed adequately to record relevant risk factors.
Inquest touching upon the death of Jermaine Baker
On behalf of the Metropolitan Police Service
Representing the MPS in an inquest into the death of Jermaine Baker who was shot by an officer of the Metropolitan Police Service Specialist Firearms as he and his accomplices were attempting to assist the escape of Izzet Eren, who was being held on remand at HMP Wormwood Scrubs accused of gun offences, from a prison van going to court.
Inquest touching upon the death of Sean Cunningham
Acting for the police in an inquest into the death of a Red Arrows pilot when his ejector seat malfunctioned.
R v John Nsimbi
(Croydon Crown Court (2013))
Representing a Ugandan businessman accused of setting up a web of fraudulent companies for the purpose of defrauding HMRC of VAT.
Demazda International UK Limited v The Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs
[2012] UKFTT 615 (TC)
Advising and representing the taxpayer in an appeal against a direction given under Schedule 11 to the Value Added Tax Act 1994
Roohop Ltd v HMRC
Acting for an alcohol wholesaler before the First Tier Tribunal in an appeal against refusal of approval under the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme in the Alcoholic Liquor Duties Act 1979.
Cherney v Deripaska
$4bn claim in the Commercial Court, which settled in 2012 (D’s counsel team led by Tom Beazley QC)
Serious Fraud Office v Saleh (CA) [2017] Lloyd’s Rep. F.C. 177
Acting for the wife of the former Deputy Chief of Mission for Chad in the USA in her appeal against the refusal to discharge a £4.4m freezing order
Re ABC
Acting for a stationery company in an allegation of fraud.
Serious Organised Crime Agency v O’Docherty
(Court of Appeal (Civil Division) [2013] EWCA Civ 518)
Representing a Spanish Property developer in civil recovery and associated contempt proceedings before the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Serious Organised Crime Agency v OO
(High Court)
Civil recovery proceedings following acquittal in the Crown Court
Jethwa v United States
(High Court ([2012] EWHC 31 (Admin))
Representing a British resident accused of stealing credit card details in the Netherlands for use in USA (Particulars of conduct).
Germany v Altun
[2011] EWHC 397 (Admin)
Representing a Turkish national who had been prosecuted in Turkey for robbery with a firearm offence committed in Germany (Double Jeopardy).
R (Atkinson) v Commissioner of Police and Others
(High Court) (2010)
Judicial Review of decision to extradite.
Bogdani v Albania
(High Court [2008] EWHC 1550 (Admin))
Representing an Albanian national sought for drug trafficking offences for which he had been tried and convicted in his absence.
Germany v Brenchley
Representing an Englishwoman accused by Germany of murder on the high seas many years ago.
Hillman v Governor of Bronzefield Prison
(Divisional Court), 24 May 2013
Representing the CPS in a judicial review of a decision to remand in absence under section 129(1) of the Magistrates’ Court Act 1980.
Re La Pigalle
(2013)
Judicial Review of a refusal to transfer a premises license.
R (Perinpanathan) v Commissioner of Police
[2010] EWCA Civ 40
Costs in cash forfeiture proceedings
R (Flook) v Crown Court at Isleworth
[2010] EWHC
Judicial review of decision to extend custody time limits
R (Donnachie) v Cardiff Magistrates’ Court
[2007] 1 WLR 3085
Time limits in trading standards cases
R (Balla) v Greenwich Magistrates’ Court
PACE Detention
The Ivy Grill, Wimbledon Village
Acting for a residents association in opposing the grant of a new licence for this well-known restaurant group. The application involved the application of the Merton Borough Council stress area policy.
Essence
Judicial review of the refusal by RB Kingston Licensing Committee to renew a nightclub licence due to allegations of serious disorder. Judicial review on the basis of apparent bias by the legal adviser and on the basis of fundamental procedural error in the submission of the application under section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003.
Re La Pigalle
Judicial Review of refusal to transfer a premises license.
Re Flex Nightclub
Closure order
R (Lule T/A Pier One Night Club) v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis
Legality of closure orders under the Licensing Act 2003
R (Cummings) v Cardiff County Council
(Court of Appeal)
Judicial Review of decision to refuse the grant of a Hackney carriage licence
R (Leicester City Football Club) v Leicestershire Justices
Interpretation of the Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc) Act 1985
R v Joseph Henry Lee
(Cambridge Crown Court (2012))
Advising and representing the first defendant in one of the largest ‘rogue trader’ prosecutions ever brought by a local authority.
R (Donnachie) v Cardiff Magistrates’ Court
[2007] 1 WLR 3085
Time limits in trading standards cases
R (Donnachie) v Cardiff Magistrates’ Court
[2009] EWHC 489 (Admin)
Territorial limit of local authorities’ enforcement power
R v Hutchins (Sabrewatch)
Long running SIA prosecution
Emma Makepeace
Deputy Senior Clerk
“… definition of gravitas …” Chambers UK 2024: Crime
“Nick combines intellect with an appreciation for the wider commercial aspects of a case …” Chambers UK 2024: Financial Crime
“Straightforward and no-nonsense, with an encyclopedic knowledge of the law.” Chambers UK 2024: POCA Work
“He brings a very cerebral approach to police misconduct.” Chambers UK 2024: Professional Discipline
“Nicholas makes elegant submissions built upon flawless written arguments. He operates at a level above everyone else in the court. He is tenacious, a great strategist and a forceful presence in court.” Legal 500 2024: Crime
“He is fantastically bright.” Chambers UK 2023: Crime
“He is a master of the law in POCA, and an incredibly responsive and user-friendly barrister, who appeals to clients.” Chambers UK 2023: POCA Work
“An extremely intelligent junior who is great with clients and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of financial crime. He possesses exceptional judgement.” Legal 500 2023: Fraud – Crime
“Nick’s knowledge of the provisions is encyclopaedic and he can get to the nub of the issues very quickly. In court, he has a good understanding of where the judge is likely to be coming from and how to manage that in the client’s interests.” Legal 500 2023 Proceeds of Crime and Asset Forfeiture
“Extremely impressive and admirably logical.” Chambers UK 2022: Crime
“You can always rely on him to carry out the work to an exceptional quality.” Chambers UK 2022: Financial Crime
“He’s impressive in his client manner and is super bright.” Chambers UK 2022: Financial Crime
“He formulates excellent arguments and can keep a seemingly unmanageable case on track.” Chambers UK 2022: POCA
“Very IT literate, incredibly organised, meticulous preparation and understanding of the paperwork.” Legal 500 2022: Crime
“An extremely intelligent junior who is great with clients and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of financial crime. He possesses exceptional judgement.” Legal 500 2022: Fraud
“He has a good brain on him, and is a methodical brief who is a pleasure to deal with.” Chambers UK 2021: Crime
“Very assured, great judgement, personable and good with clients, calm under pressure and a good strategist.” Legal 500 2021: Crime
“He has a very sharp legal mind. He has the uncanny ability to get to the nub of an issue very quickly. This means top level legal advice that is very efficient and cost effective.” Legal 500 2021: Fraud
“On POCA and anti-money laundering there is no one like him. When I don’t understand exactly what is going on with POCA I phone him and he gives me practical advice that makes me look good.” Chambers UK 2018: Financial crime
“Extremely promising, and someone with exceptional legal skills and knowledge.” Chambers UK 2018: Financial Crime
“We can rely on him to have expert knowledge of all the recent authorities. He is very thorough and easy to work with.” Chambers UK 2018: POCA
“A very calm and calculating advocate, and a good strategist, who takes a very pragmatic approach to his cases.” Legal 500 2017: Fraud
“He can be trusted to always have the salient evidence at his fingertips.” Legal 500 2017: Police
“He knows POCA backwards and can take on cases of factual complexity at very short notice.” Chambers UK 2016: POCA Work
“He is incredible. He knows all the latest legal updates and developments in the field.” Chambers UK 2015: Financial Crime
“A very capable advocate who is very strong under pressure.” Legal 500 2014: Crime
“Very talented and dynamic.” Legal 500 2012
Books
Book Chapters
Articles
Lectures, Seminars & Webinars
I, Nicholas Yeo, am a data controller and can be contacted at 3 Raymond Buildings, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5BH or by telephone on 020 7400 6400 or by email at nicholas.yeo@3rblaw.com. My Data Protection Policy can be found below.
All personal data that I process is for the purposes of providing legal services, conducting conflict-checks, marketing, defending potential complaints, legal proceedings or fee disputes, keeping anti-money laundering records, training other barristers and pupils and when providing work-shadowing opportunities, and/or exercising a right to a lien. The types of data I process vary upon the nature of the legal matter in relation to which I am engaged to advise, but can include names, contact details, biographic details and ‘special category personal data’ (such as details of racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, health, sex life and criminal convictions and proceedings).
Depending upon the circumstances of the case, the legal bases upon which I process personal data are (i) the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract, (ii) the processing is necessary to comply with legal obligations to which I am subject, or (iii) the processing is necessary for the legitimate interests, found here, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subjects which require protection of personal data, in particular where the data subject is a child. When I process data which has not be obtained directly from the data subject (e.g. personal data contained in evidential materials), it will have been supplied to me as part of my instructions in circumstances covered by legal professional privilege.
Depending upon the circumstances of the case, I may share the personal data with:
I retain personal data for no longer than 7 years after the case has come to an end or as otherwise required by law.
I do not intend to transfer data to any country which is not either within the European Union, ‘white listed’ by the EU or otherwise permitted by EU law (e.g. to the USA under the provisions of the ‘Privacy Shield’).
Under the GDPR, data subjects whose personal data I process have the right to request from me access to, and rectification or erasure of, their personal data, the right to the restriction of processing concerning them, the right to object to processing as well as the right to data portability. Data subjects also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ico.org.uk).
In cases where there is a contract between me and the data subject, the provision of personal data is a contractual requirement and the data subject is obliged to provide the personal data in order that I can supply legal services. A failure to provide such data may mean that I will not be able to provide the legal services.
Rev 1.1 – 25.05.2018
Nicholas Yeo is qualified to accept instructions direct from clients under the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme. This means that members of the public who seek specialist advice can come direct to him. In addition, he welcomes instructions from solicitors, in-house law departments, qualified foreign lawyers, and clients licensed by the Bar Council to give instructions direct to barristers under the Bar Council’s Licensed Access Scheme.
For further information please contact our Clerks.
| Address | 3 Raymond Buildings, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5BH |
|---|---|
| DX | 237 LDE |
| Opening hours | 08:30 – 18:30 |
| Telephone | +44 (0)20 7400 6400 |
|---|---|
| clerks@3rblaw.com | |
| Senior clerk | Nicholas Yeo |
