Operation V (ongoing)
Leading counsel in SFO overseas corruption investigation.
Rachel Scott is recognised by both Chambers UK and Legal 500 for her significant expertise in Financial and Corporate Crime, International Crime and Extradition, and Sanctions. She was awarded Crime Junior of the Year by Chambers UK in 2022.
Rachel acts for corporates and individuals in connection with fraud and corruption matters, internal investigations and regulatory compliance, often with a cross-border focus. She represents designated persons and third parties affected by sanctions, with particular expertise in the Russian, Global Human Rights and Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regimes. In the field of extradition, Rachel represents foreign governments, issuing judicial authorities and requested persons both at first instance and on appeal. She has acted in numerous reported cases, including in the Supreme Court, the Privy Council and the European Court of Human Rights.
Rachel has a wealth of experience in the field of financial and corporate crime and is a co-author of Corruption and Misuse of Public Office (OUP, 4th Ed. 2024). She acts for individual and corporate clients under investigation for offences of fraud, corruption, money laundering and anti-competitive practices, giving advice on pre-charge matters as well as offering representation throughout any ensuing proceedings. She also prosecutes for the Serious Fraud Office, having been a member of its panel counsel list for over a decade, and A-Panel counsel since 2017. Past instructions have included Alstom, Petrofac, Airbus and ENRC.
In such complex and cross-border investigations, she brings to bear her experience of international law, advising on questions of extradition, mutual legal assistance and double jeopardy. She also acts in linked civil claims in the Commercial Court, as well as in international arbitration proceedings, and has particular expertise on questions of self- incrimination and civil contempt. She appeared as part of the SFO’s counsel team in the high-profile civil claim brought by ENRC, tried before the Commercial Court in 2021-2022.
Rachel’s litigation practice is complemented by her breadth of experience in advising corporate clients on the conduct of internal investigations, particularly those with a cross-border focus. Recent experience includes conducting internal investigations in the aerospace, mining and financial services sectors, examining issues such as bribery and corruption, compliance with export control, human rights and safeguarding, insider dealing and data protection. She also regularly advises companies on their compliance policies and procedures with regard to anti-bribery and corruption and anti-money laundering.
Leading counsel in SFO overseas corruption investigation.
Judicial review proceedings concerning the overlap between the POCA and financial sanctions regimes (NCA v Westminster Magistrates’ Court & others [2022] EWHC 2631 (Admin))
Junior counsel for the SFO in defence of high-profile Commercial Court claim (ENRC v Dechert LLP & SFO [2022] EWHC 1138 (Comm); [2023] EWHC 3280 (Comm))
Claim arising out of DOJ investigation into bank fraud allegations against Huawei’s CEO (Wangzou Meng v HSBC Bank Plc & others [2021] EWHC 342 (QB))
In-house counsel at Clifford Chance Paris, working as part of the white collar team acting for Airbus SE in the investigation conducted by the UK, French and US authorities which led to the company's acceptance in January 2020 of a global resolution including total penalties of €3.6 billion.
Junior counsel for the Serious Fraud Office in its prosecution of a UK subsidiary of Alstom SA, which gave rise to interlocutory litigation establishing a number of important precedents on the law of bribery and corruption and on the rules of evidence, procedure and fair trial in the prosecution of corporate defendants.
Representing the defendant in litigation before the Commercial Court concerning the privilege against self-incrimination in the context of a worldwide freezing order.
Rachel is particularly noted for her expertise in extradition requests alleging financial crimes and corruption, as well as those involving complex issues of political persecution and abuse of process. She is skilled in advising on and drafting applications to Interpol for the removal of red notices issued on political or other abusive grounds.
She also offers specialist advice in relation to ‘import’ extradition cases, receiving instructions from prosecuting agencies arrest warrants and extradition requests for the return to this jurisdiction of suspected or convicted criminals. At the invitation of the UN, she has provided training to Nigerian prosecutors on fair trial and extradition in the context of terrorism cases.
Rachel is experienced in matters of mutual legal assistance and receives instructions to advise upon and to draft letters of request to foreign states. Rachel also represents individuals and corporates affected by mutual legal assistance requests (including potential suspects and witnesses), offering advice regarding their rights and obligations in connection with the provision of evidence. She has particular expertise in the developing field of enhanced cooperation in digital evidence-gathering, and was consulted by think tanks and NGOs on the impact of the European Parliament’s proposals for E-evidence legislation.
Defending US extradition request on allegations of FCPA breaches, money laundering and tax offences (Berko v United States [2024] EWHC 1392 (Admin))
Acting for Trinidad & Tobago in a Privy Council appeal arising out of the United States’ request for the extradition of Jack Warner, former Vice-President of FIFA, on fraud and corruption allegations
Prosecution of US airman for death by careless driving, involving conflict of jurisdiction arguments
Defending Danish extradition request arising out of cum-ex fraud allegations to the value of c. £1 billion
Defending Russian request for the extradition of a former senior executive of the Bank of Moscow, on fraud allegations.
Junior counsel for the human rights charity Reprieve as intervenor in an extradition case concerning whether exposure to a sentence of life without parole in the United States constituted a breach of a prisoner’s rights under Article 3 of the ECHR.
Defending Lithuanian extradition request on allegations of fraud arising out of the collapse of Lithuania’s first private bank. Intervener in Supreme Court case of Bucnys v Lithuania [2013] UKSC 71, on the definition of ‘judicial authority’ under Part 1 of the Extradition Act 2003.
Rachel acts for designated persons and third parties affected by sanctions, with particular expertise in the Russian, Global Human Rights and Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regimes. She has appeared in a number of the High Court cases scrutinising the construction and application of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and is regularly invited to give lectures and training seminars on sanctions litigation and compliance.
Various instructions on behalf of individuals designated under the Russia sanctions regime. Advice and representation on challenges to the FCDO’s designation decisions and questions of compliance and licensing
Various instructions on behalf of individuals designated under the Global Human Rights sanctions regime. Advice and representation on challenges to the FCDO’s designation decisions and questions of compliance and licensing
Challenge to OFSI’s refusal to issue a licence for living expenses incurred by a designated individual
Acting for a designated individual in judicial review proceedings concerning the overlap between the POCA and financial sanctions regimes (NCA v Westminster Magistrates’ Court & others [2022] EWHC 2631 (Admin))
Application for interim relief on behalf of a Russian sportsman, pending his substantive challenge to his designation
Pro bono advisory and drafting project for an NGO client, concerning the Syrian and Global Human Rights sanctions regimes
Rachel advises on and appears in judicial review applications arising out of public bodies’ decision-making within the criminal justice, sanctions and international law arenas.
Acted with Hugo Keith KC for a Russian businessman in judicial review proceedings concerning the overlap between the POCA and financial sanctions regimes
Representing the claimant in a case concerning the property and fair trial rights of the victims of foreign criminals facing deportation.
Acting for the claimant company in an application for judicial review of a notice issued by the Serious Fraud Office under section 2 of the CJA 1987 in connection with a corruption investigation in the Republic of Guinea.
Representing the Independent Police Complaints Commission (now IOPC) in judicial review proceedings concerning the legality of police officers resigning during disciplinary investigations.
Operation V (ongoing)
Leading counsel in SFO overseas corruption investigation
USA v Berko (2022-2024)
Defending US extradition request on allegations of FCPA breaches, money laundering and tax offences (Berko v United States [2024] EWHC 1392 (Admin))
R v Hayes (2023)
Prosecution of US airman for death by careless driving, involving conflict of jurisdiction arguments
Fridman v HM Treasury [2023] EWHC 2657
Challenge to OFSI’s refusal to issue a licence for living expenses incurred by an individual designated under the Russia sanctions regime
Mazepin v Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
[2023] EWHC 1777
Application for interim relief on behalf of a Russian sportsman, pending his substantive challenge to his sanctions designation
Denmark v Patterson (2021-2023)
Defending Danish extradition request arising out of cum-ex fraud allegations to the value of c. £1 billion
Jack Warner – FIFA corruption case (2022)
Acting for Trinidad & Tobago in a Privy Council appeal arising out of the United States’ request for the extradition of Jack Warner, former Vice-President of FIFA, on fraud and corruption allegations
NCA v IML & LST (2022)
Judicial review proceedings concerning the overlap between the POCA and financial sanctions regimes (NCA v Westminster Magistrates’ Court & others [2022] EWHC 2631 (Admin))
ENRC v SFO (2020-2022)
Junior counsel for the SFO in defence of high-profile Commercial Court claim (ENRC v Dechert LLP & SFO [2022] EWHC 1138 (Comm); [2023] EWHC 3280 (Comm))
Huawei (2021)
Claim arising out of DOJ investigation into bank fraud allegations against Huawei’s CEO (Wanzhou Meng v HSBC Bank Plc & others [2021] EWHC 342 (QB))
Airbus SE (2018-2020)
In-house counsel at Clifford Chance Paris, working as part of the white-collar team acting for Airbus SE in the investigation conducted by the UK, French and US authorities which led to the company’s acceptance in January 2020 of a global resolution including total penalties of €3.6 billion.
R v Alstom Network (UK) Ltd
[2019] EWCA Crim 1318 (Court of Appeal)
Junior counsel for the Serious Fraud Office in a case concerning fair trial principles in the prosecution of corporate defendants.
Tugushev v Orlov (2018-2019)
Representing the defendant in litigation before the Commercial Court concerning the privilege against self-incrimination in the context of a worldwide freezing order.
Harkins v United Kingdom (2017)
Application No. 71537/14 (European Court of Human Rights)
Junior counsel for the human rights charity Reprieve as intervenor in a case concerning whether exposure to a sentence of life without parole in the United States constituted a breach of a prisoner’s rights under Article 3 of the ECHR.
R v S (2017)
Defending a request for the extradition to Moscow of a former senior executive of the Bank of Moscow, who faced fraud allegations arising out of the hostile takeover of the bank in 2011.
R (on the application of Corbiere Ltd) v Secretary of State for Justice
[2017] EWHC 3364 (Admin)
Representing the claimant in a case concerning the property and fair trial rights of the victims of foreign criminals facing deportation.
R v AIL
[2016] QB 763 (Court of Appeal)
Junior counsel for the appellant in a case which clarified the law on the bribery of foreign principals under the Prevention of Corruption Act 1906.
R v A Ltd
[2016] 4 WLR 176 (Court of Appeal)
Junior counsel for the Serious Fraud Office in a case concerning corporate liability via the attribution principle.
R v R
[2015] EWCA Crim 1941 (Court of Appeal)
Acting for the Legal Aid Agency in a case giving guidance on digital disclosure in criminal proceedings.
R (B Ltd) v Serious Fraud Office (2015)
Acting for the claimant company in an application for judicial review of a notice issued by the Serious Fraud Office under section 2 of the CJA 1987 in connection with a corruption investigation in the Republic of Guinea.
R (B) v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis
[2014] EWHC 3041 (Admin)
Representing the Independent Police Complaints Commission (now IOPC) in judicial review proceedings concerning the legality of police officers resigning during disciplinary investigations.
R (M & others) v IPCC (2014)
Junior counsel for the Independent Police Complaints Commission (now IOPC) in judicial review proceedings concerning the ‘Plebgate’ investigation.
Bucnys v Ministry of Justice, Lithuania
[2013] UKSC 71
Junior counsel for the intervener in a Supreme Court case concerning the definition of a judicial authority under the Extradition Act 2003.
Govt of Algeria v Khelifa
[2013] EWHC 4204 (Admin)
Junior counsel for the requesting state in its first extradition request to the United Kingdom. The case concerned the president of one of Algeria’s first private banks, accused of serious fraud leading to the bank’s collapse amid losses of over $1 billion.
Fuller v Belize
[2011] UPKC 23 (Privy Council)
Acting for the respondent in an appeal to the Privy Council concerning the scope of the abuse of process jurisdiction in extradition proceedings in Belize.
Govt of Serbia v Ganic (2010)
Junior counsel for the requesting state in its request for the extradition of the former Bosnian vice-president in connection with war crimes allegedly committed during the conflict in the former Yugoslavia.
Emma Makepeace
Deputy Senior Clerk
“She’s a superstar. She is incredibly knowledgeable and her advocacy is absolutely outstanding.” Chambers UK 2025: Extradition
“… extremely knowledgeable on difficult international situations and cross border matters.” Chambers UK 2025: Financial Crime
“… devastating legally, very clear-thinking and cogent.” Chambers UK 2025: Financial Crime
“… combines being incredibly detailed and good on the law with practicality.” Chambers UK 2025: Sanctions
“She has exceptional tactical awareness in terms of how to approach a case and can provide detailed and clear advice. She is responsive, approachable and a top class advocate.” Legal 500 2025: Business & Regulatory Crime
“A phenomenal advocate.” Chambers UK 2024: Extradition
“She is a superb advocate.” Chambers UK 2024: Financial Crime
“She has a terrific blend of skills including highly persuasive and subtle advocacy, brilliant drafting and a good manner with difficult clients and solicitors.” Legal 500 2024: Business & Regulatory Crime
“… incredibly dedicated … and excellent when with clients.” Chambers UK 2023: Extradition
“A standout junior in extradition who is extremely impressive in court.” Chambers UK 2023: Extradition
“Rachel is a go-to for advice on really tricky cases.” Chambers UK 2023: Financial Crime
“She is always able to find a really clear way through complex problems.” Chambers UK 2023: Financial Crime
“Rachel is fiercely-intelligent and has a forensic eye for detail. Her advocacy is always impressive and she inspires confidence in clients and solicitors alike.” Legal 500 2023: Fraud
“An excellent lawyer who writes brilliantly and is unflappable when on her feet.” Chambers UK 2022: Extradition
“She’s very clever, hard-working, committed and very pleasant to deal with – a silk in the making.” Chambers UK 2022: Financial Crime
“An excellent extradition barrister. She has exceptional judgement and is determined to isolate and then pursue the points that will actually win.” Legal 500 2022: International Crime and Extradition
“Rachel is a fantastic asset to her set. A junior who combines experience and intellect.” Legal 500 2022 Fraud – Crime
“A true expert in this field who is good with clients and incredibly charming.” Chambers UK 2021: Extradition
“She is absolutely outstanding.” Chambers UK 2021: Financial Crime
“A creative thinker, excellent on her feet and has great client empathy.” Legal 500 2021: International Crime and Extradition
“She has fantastic attention to detail.” Legal 500 2021: Fraud – Crime
“An exceptional lawyer, a fine advocate and someone whose advisory work is brilliant.” Chambers UK 2020: Financial Crime
“One of the brightest juniors at the Bar.” Chambers UK 2020: Financial Crime
“A very fair prosecutor and tenacious defence advocate.” Chambers UK 2019: Extradition
“An extremely impressive junior with a great grasp of detail.” Chambers UK 2019: Extradition
“Very intelligent, terrific on her feet in court.” Chambers UK 2019: Financial Crime
“She is relentless, hard-working and consistent.” Chambers UK 2019: Financial Crime
“A smart and creative thinker with a human touch.” Legal 500 2019: International Crime & Extradition
“Bright, calm under pressure and knows her papers inside out.” Legal 500 2019: Fraud: Crime
“A brilliant advocate who is very charming in court and has the rare ability to manage large cases. She can navigate twenty lever arch files and know her way around all of them.” Chambers UK 2018: Extradition
“Highly regarded for her intellectual acumen and her work ethic.” Chambers UK 2017: Extradition
“Praised as a growing force in the market.” “A real up-and-coming junior who is a brilliant researcher and writer that delivers things on time and provides high-quality material.” “A rising star who gives very clear advice at extremely short notice and is just an encyclopedia of law.” Chambers UK 2016: Extradition
“Extremely easy to work with, she overcomes the most challenging SFO-related issues supremely well.” Chambers UK 2018: Financial Crime
“Shows great attention to detail and is very good at talking through difficult points of law.” Chambers UK 2017: Financial Crime
I, Rachel Scott, 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 rachel.scott@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, participating in the activities of professional bodies and associations, defending potential complaints, legal proceedings or fee disputes, keeping anti-money laundering records, receiving training, 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 set out above, 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 rely on (iii) legitimate interests, my ‘Legitimate Interests Assessment’ can be found here. 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 15 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 (eg 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 1.0 – 29.05.2018
Rachel Scott 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 her. In addition, she 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 | Rachel Scott |
