Defending your assets, reputation and future.
We help professionals, entrepreneurs, and families facing an Unexplained Wealth Order achieve clarity and protection by providing strategic defence, asset preservation, and expert representation, ensuring their rights and financial interests are safeguarded, and helping them avoid asset seizure, financial loss, and reputational harm.
Defence
Unexplained Wealth Order Defence Specialists
Receiving notice of a UWO can feel overwhelming. These complex court orders invite deep scrutiny into your finances, often creating fear, confusion, and stress about your future. Our criminal defence solicitors act immediately to protect your position, ensuring every step complies with the law while securing your rights.
- You’re anxious about what’s at stake your business, home, or assets.
- You want an experienced legal team who understands financial investigations.
- You need reassurance that you have a powerful defence on your side.
At Ashmans, we combine specialist knowledge of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 with relentless focus on your defence strategy. Whether the NCA, SFO, or FCA is investigating, our team works tirelessly to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and defend your assets. With us, you never face this process alone.
Unexplained Wealth Orders and the Law
An Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) is a powerful civil investigative tool introduced under the Criminal Finances Act 2017, amending the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. It allows enforcement agencies to require individuals to explain the origins of assets believed to be disproportionate to their known income.
- Property valued above £50,000 owned directly or indirectly by a person.
- Reasonable grounds to suspect the person’s lawful income is insufficient to obtain it.
- The respondent is a politically exposed person or reasonably suspected of serious crime involvement.
- Holds assets that appear disproportionate to their known lawful income.
- Fails to provide an adequate explanation for their acquisition.
- Has links suggesting proceeds of crime may be involved.
Investigations are commonly led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), or Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). These bodies analyse complex evidence such as property ownership records, offshore structures, bank transfers, and historic transactions.
Our expert unexplained wealth order defence solicitors in England and Wales bring clarity to this intricate legal process, ensuring each procedural step is lawfully challenged and your financial integrity remains intact.
Essential actions against accusations
From the moment you are notified of an Unexplained Wealth Order or become aware of an investigation, your actions can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Take our guidance seriously and follow these important steps:
Act quickly, instruct Ashmans, safeguard your assets and your future.
Do NOT attempt to engage with enforcement authorities or provide explanations without legal advice anything you say may later be relied upon against you.
Even if you believe the source of your assets is legitimate, do NOT respond to investigators or agencies without your specialist solicitor present.
With 24/7 availability, Ashmans Solicitors are ready to provide urgent legal guidance and protect your interests from the outset.
Ensure you keep any bank statements, transaction records, contracts or communications that may help demonstrate the lawful origin of your assets.
Follow any requirements imposed by the court and allow your legal team to manage your response strategy.
Three simple steps
to your Defence
Getting the right legal defence is easy. Follow these three simple steps to protect your rights and future.
Step 1:
Initial Consultation
One of our Unexplained Wealth Orders specialists will speak with you to assess your case, review evidence and explore your defence options.
Step 2:
Strategic Defence Planning
Through in-depth financial analysis, we’ll build a sophisticated, custom defence strategy to protect your reputation and interests.
Step 3:
Expert Legal Representation
We’ll be with you in court to challenge weak evidence, support you and fight for the best possible outcome
Our Testimonials
Real stories. Real results.
See how Ashmans has successfully supported previous clients and listen to what they have to say about our Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) legal support.
Brilliant Support and Peace of Mind
Outstanding Outcome in Proceeds of Crime Case
Flaw Found, Case Dismissed: Expert Legal Defence
Extraordinary Defence Leading to Case Dismissal
Remarkable Support and Dedication in Fraud Case
Remarkable Support and Advice in My Fraud Case
Unwavering Support and Expertise in Fraud Case
Trusted Expertise Leading to a Full Acquittal
Remarkable Support During a Devastating Ordeal
Reliable and Professional Legal Support
Outstanding Support and Professional Representation
Expert Legal Defence That Turned My Case Around
Relentless Defence Leading to Justice
Outstanding Legal Support in Serious Drug Case
Exceptional Expertise in Complex Criminal Fraud Cases
Relentless Commitment and Professionalism in Complex Cases
Clear and Honest Legal Guidance
Brilliant Representation Leading to Not Guilty Verdict
Above and Beyond Legal Support and Service
Exceptional Legal Support and Top-Tier Service
Move Quickly,
Choose Wisely
When faced with an Unexplained Wealth Order, failing to act swiftly and obtain specialist legal advice can expose you to serious consequences:
- Court orders may require you to explain the source of assets or property, placing significant pressure on you to respond properly.
- If you cannot adequately account for your wealth, authorities may pursue civil recovery proceedings to seize assets.
- Investigations by enforcement agencies can bring prolonged stress, scrutiny and reputational harm.
- Interim freezing orders may restrict access to property or finances during the investigation.
- A successful recovery action can result in the loss of high-value assets and long-term financial consequences.
You’re not alone, we’re here to help.
Unexplained Wealth Order Allegations
The Ashmans Approach
At Ashmans, we take decisive action. At every stage, you can rely on expert legal advice, clear guidance and genuine support. Our focus is to protect your rights, safeguard your assets and defend your future, assisting you with:
- Advise you immediately after notice of a UWO investigation.
- Protect your rights when dealing with enforcement authorities.
- Challenge disproportionate investigative steps and requests.
- Challenge orders that restrict access to property or financial assets.
- Seek variations to allow legitimate business and living expenses.
- Act swiftly to minimise disruption to your finances and operations.
- Advise on the legal requirements of responding to a UWO.
- Prepare detailed responses explaining the lawful origin of assets.
- Protect you from unnecessary disclosure and legal risk.
- Defend against civil recovery actions brought under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
- Challenge evidence used to justify seizure of assets or property.
- Protect legitimate wealth from confiscation.
- Build a robust legal strategy to contest the order or related proceedings.
- Present clear and persuasive arguments before the court.
- Instruct financial and forensic experts where necessary.
- Provide strategic advice throughout complex financial investigations.
- Protect your interests in parallel criminal or regulatory proceedings.
- Ensure every legal avenue is explored to safeguard your assets and reputation.
Why Choose Ashmans?
Proven Record
Decades of success in serious financial crime and asset recovery cases.
Experts in Fraud & Financial Crime
Our SRA-regulated solicitors defend clients facing the most complex UWO proceedings.
24/7 Support
Around-the-clock access to experienced legal professionals whenever you need protection.
Our Notable Cases
Serious charges, successful results.
Our Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs) solicitors have represented clients across a range of serious charges – see some examples of our work and outcomes.
Forged Titles and Negotiated Justice
Logistics Fraud Defence: Suspended Sentence Secured
Fraud by False Representation – Local Councillor Case
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Involving Forged Cheques
Acquittal Secured in £40 Million Mortgage Fraud Case
HMRC Fraud Case: Defence Against Allegations of Cigarette Duty Evasion
Identity Theft and Forged Bank Documents: £1 Million Fraud Acquittal
Securing Justice in a £1m Mortgage Fraud Case
Orchestrated Fraud Unveiled: Proactive Defence Secures Justice
Multi-Million Pound Duty Fraud and Money Laundering Acquittal
Unravelling a £34 Million Conspiracy: Successful Defence Against Disclosure Failures
Acquitted in £2.6m VAT Fraud: “Operation Janitor”
Charity Fraud and Misappropriation Acquittal: “Operation Caring Today”
Proactive Defence in “Cash for Crash” Case
Certified Accountant’s Legal Triumph
Set-Top Box Fraud Case – Custodial Sentence Avoided
Latvian Nationals Avoid Custody in Criminal Property Conspiracy
Sentence Reduced in Historic Sexual Offences
Historic Sexual Abuse Allegations – Justice Secured
Unanimous Acquittal in Festival Consent Allegation
Urgent Legal Assistance
Seek Immediate
Legal Support Today
Don’t spend time worrying about complex asset investigations. Contact our specialist financial crime solicitors for immediate legal protection and clear guidance.
- Expert representation in asset recovery and financial crime investigations.
- Responsive 24/7 legal support when it matters most.
- Strategic legal solutions tailored to your situation.
Our trusted accreditations
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