Sophie Wood

White collar, business crime and POCA

Sophie advises individual and corporate clients involved in a wide range of complex white collar financial crime and regulatory investigations conducted by the SFO, HMRC, FCA, ICO, GLAA and DoJ. The cases Sophie advises on are typically large, complex and often involving a number of multi-jurisdictional aspects with requests for Mutual Legal Assistance, Red Notices and extradition. Sophie has also conducted a number of internal investigations in matters involving fraud and regulatory non-compliance and has acted as an independent legal advisor for various individuals engaged in internal and external investigations. Sophie recently provided criminal law advice to Genting Casinos for the successful landmark Supreme Court appeal against Phil Ivey, in which the longstanding test for dishonesty was overturned.

Sophie has significant experience in advising on all aspects of money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), including the making of SARs, restraint and confiscation. Recently Sophie advised on the successful 2021 Supreme Court case CPS v Aquila in which the priority of a proprietary claim over a confiscation order was challenged. Sophie has advised HNW businesses within the regulated sector, from the art world to those regulated by the Gambling Commission, of their obligations under POCA and the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer) Regulations 2017.

Environment Law, Health & Safety and Trading Standards

Sophie has acted for companies, directors and employees caught up in domestic and international investigations led by the Environment Agency, Health and Safety Executive and Trading Standards in relation to offences concerning breaches of advertising standards legislation, unfair trading, health and safety breaches and allegations of illegal shipments of waste.

Public Inquiries and Human Rights Law

Sophie has worked on large scale public inquiries, including the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in which she represented core participants. Sophie has also advised on the international obligations placed upon non-State actors under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

NOTABLE CASES

White collar crime

• Representing of bank employee in HMRC investigation of historic film scheme
• Representing former CFOs and a director of a multinational company in relation to a DoJ investigation
• Representing of a Non-Executive Director of a listed company investigated by the FCA
• Representing clients in corruption investigations/prosecution in the Turks and Caicos Islands
• Acting for senior business people in compelled s2 SFO interviews

Environment Law, Health & Safety and Trading Standards

• Representing a company in respect of alleged breaches of the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007 and Environmental Protection Act 1990
• Representing a number of employees in relation to an HSE investigation regarding a non-fatal accident
• Acting for a business owner in various Trading Standards prosecutions (including allegations of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering) and requests for enforcement undertakings in relation to fraud offences and breaches of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2002
• Representing a company director accused of offences under the Hallmarking Act 1979, Trade Marks Act 1994 and breaches of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2002

Animal rights issues and welfare offences

• Advising a multi-national corporate experiencing harmful animal rights protests
• Advising individuals accused of causing unnecessary suffering to protected wildlife under the Animal Welfare Act 2006

Other

• Representing soldiers facing allegations arising from various historic fatal incidents
• Providing criminal law advice on dishonesty to our Dispute Resolution team and counsel, acting for Genting Casinos, in the landmark Supreme Court win
• Acting for individuals suspected of misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice
• Acting for witnesses involved in investigations concerning misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice
• Acting for individuals accused of serious sexual offences (including prosecutions conducted by Operation Yewtree) and allegations of violence

What clients and directories say

Legal 500 2023 and 2024 UK

Leading Associate

Global Investigations Review – 40 under 40

Featured Individual

“Over the past nine years I have known Sophie, I have seen her ability to manage large-scale investigations, digest and assess huge volumes of material and offer sound strategic advice, judgement and creative solutions. These analytical skills, combined with excellent client care, inspire confidence in counsel and clients alike.”

Steven Vullo KC | Twelve Tabulae Chambers

Professional Societies & Memberships