Michael Brompton KC

A senior silk of longstanding experience prosecuting or defending in serious and complex crime. Formerly standing counsel to H.M. Customs & Excise, he is a leading practitioner in financial crime and related areas.

Areas of expertise

Tax fraud

Bribery

Investment fraud

Insider dealing

Money laundering and asset forfeiture

Notable Cases

R v Al Jarah and others SFO prosecution of Unaoil executives for bribery in connection with the  reconstruction  of the Iraqi oil industry following the fall of Saddam Hussein, said to be the SFO’s largest ever bribery investigation

R v  Bhandari and others FCA prosecution of company chairman, corporate advisers and others for investment fraud in relation to Symbiosis Healthcare Plc

R v Adams and others Prosecution of high profile individual and numerous others for money laundering

R v Sweett  Group Plc SFO prosecution of corporate for failing to prevent bribery

R v Wilson FCA prosecution of organiser of SureInvestment investment fraud

R v Sidhu and another FCA prosecution of management consultant and hedge fund trader for insider dealing

R v Johnson and others  Confiscation proceedings resulting in orders in excess of £150 million following convictions for VAT fraud (HMRC Operation Vaulter)

R v Sriskantharajah and others Prosecution of owners and operators of London bureaux de change for money laundering

R v Hussain and others Multi-million pound fraud concerning hijacking of mobile phone data

R v Donnelly and others Prosecution for £80 million carousel fraud (HMRC Operation Vex)

R v Ravjani and others Prosecution for £120 million carousel fraud (HMRC Operation Inertia)

R v Uddin and others Prosecution of underworld banker for money-laundering

R v Knights & Maguire  House of Lords decision on confiscation procedures

R v Kelly  Court of Appeal decision on Gaming Act meaning of ‘game of chance’

R v S  Prosecution of 15 year old mother for baby killing.

Appointments / Professional

Queen’s Counsel (2003)

Recorder of the Crown Court (authorised to sit at the Central Criminal Court)

Head of Chambers 5PB, 2009 – 2014

Standing Counsel to H.M. Customs & Excise 1994 – 2003

Member of SFO panel of approved counsel

Testimonials

“A formidable advocate who shows great attention to detail” (Chambers UK, 2020)

“His cool-headed and approachable manner inspire confidence” (Legal 500, 2019)

“His style and delivery in court are powerful and smooth, yet extremely powerful” (Chambers UK 2019)

“Demonstrates excellent tactical and legal ability and is always very well prepared” (Legal 500 2018)

"An outstanding lawyer, who has miraculous ability to master large and complex briefs" (Legal 500 2014)