Represented the first Defendant on a multi-handed multi million pound advertising/ charity fraud. The case ran to 10,000 pages plus and required close scrutiny consideration and analysis of banking material, credit control material, telephone evidence and computer data. The case resolved on the third day of the trial when the defence analysis was accepted in great part allowing for only a short sentence to be passed compared to that anticipated
My work
R v Lynch
Two trials in the same year, 2013. The first being a multi handed multi million pound mortgage fraud involving the setting up of allegedly dubious companies to obtain mortgages and then subvert the funds to others than those who held the liability. The Defendant was acquitted at half time on this matter. The second, was an internet based multi-million pound multi Defendant case where the allegation was a company was set up to attract several hundred tradesmen and companies in order to advertise via the internet they and them for the provision of plumbing, electrical and building associated services. The Defendant was allowed to accept a minor advertising infringement after various discussions and negotiations with the crown. This resulted in a conditional discharge from the judge for this Defendant. In the first case I was first on the indictment and the second I was second.
R v Langley
Fraud and widescale illegal pornography distribution. This was an internet-based fraud involving the sale of counterfeit and illegal non certified pornography. This Defendant was first on the indictment and said to be the computer expert and principle fraudster. After a month long trial he was acquitted of the most serious charges and convicted of minor matters resulting in a none custodial sentence, he having anticipated 7 years or so.
R v Pgw
Alleged complex fraud by directors of Hull City Football Club. Allegations of trading whilst insolvent, false accounting, under-declaration of gate receipts and theft. Listed for six-week trial acquitted. Leading Junior.
R v Webster
Conspiracy to cheat the revenue by Chartered accountant using complex interlinking and false declarations of a company group in order to gain rollover relief, together with the counterfeiting of documents on a large scale.
Ten-week trial led by Nigel Sangster QC. Convicted after 12-week trial, quashed on appeal.
R v Russell
Alleged complex fraud by the directors of Exeter City Football Club. Allegations of fraudulent due diligence, trading whilst insolvent, false accounting, VAT fraud, obtaining the services of Michael Jackson by deceit, false declaration of tickets sales. Acquitted on principle charges after legal argument.
RR v Bryden & Burrell
Large scale NHS recalled attendance and prescription fraud. Both acquitted after submissions. Leading Junior.
R v DR
Charities commission fraud. Acquitted on main charges.
R v Ives
Alleged large-scale multimillion-pound fraud involving copyright infringed sales of computer equipment and software, false account and theft, following severance from French multi-national. Listed for a 10-week trial acquitted after legal submissions.
R v Hussain
Multi-million pound complex insurance and banking fraud. Listed for eight weeks hung jury. Pleaded guilty at the beginning of re-trial on a pragmatic minimal basis, but allowed to change plea after all other acquitted. Leading Junior.
R v Iqbal
Complex multi-level and layered banking fraud and money laundering allegations, involving 12 defendants. Issues over the systems of security and due diligence. Acquitted on re-trial after hung jury. Leading Junior.
R v Dalton
Multi million pound complex benefit fraud and money laundering allegations. Match fixing allegations in relation to boxing and non-declaration of income as a boxing promoter for various high profile boxers. Pleaded guilty to save children and grandchildren.
R v Buckley
Allegations of multi-million pound fraud involving the West Yorkshire Ambulance trust, including the siphoning of money from the trust to directors of it involving complex interlinked transactions and setting up of a register of Pilipino nurses claimed to have been brought to this country under the NHS direct scheme. All other convicted, this defendant Acquitted. Led by Derek Duffy.
R v Morgan
Large-scale mortgage fraud by developers, solicitors, surveyors and accountants. Acquitted of main charges convicted of money laundering. Leading Junior.
R v Mahmood-Ghani
Complex insurance fraud and money laundering. Allegations included the setting up of multiple accidents, false claims involving interlinked companies and false names. Prosecution dropped case after refusal of disclosure upon failure to obtain PII certificates following the 7/7 bombings and aftermath investigations. Leading Junior.
R v Haghverdi
Complex conspiracy alleging banking and insurance fraud. Dropped after multiple and ever more complex disclosure requests. Junior.
R v Crossthwaite
Large scale NHS dental fraud involving multiple claims and prescription fraud. Absolutely discharged following submissions based on medical/ psychological evidence. Leading Junior.
R v Bower
Large scale multi-company fraud and money laundering allegations involving car wash and fast food outlets.
R v Kalbassa
Allegations against senior bank manageress said to be at the head of a complex banking fraud conspiracy. Issues of failures under due diligence, false accounting and multi layered money laundering through a variety of accounts and false name. Acquitted. Leading Junior.
R v Hussain
Leading junior in multi-handed MTIC fraud involving the sale of high-end motor vehicles imported into the UK and to various parts of Europe and the Middle East.
R v Ali
Complex banking and gone away fraud. Ongoing. Led by Abbas Lakha QC
About me
Nigel has a reputation both nationally and internationally for his no-nonsense, hard-fighting but fair and courteous approach to all he does and with all he meets. He is meticulous in his preparation and highly regarded for his attention to detail.
Nigel specialises in complex Corporate and White collar Fraud; Serious Organised Crime; Murder; Terrorism; International Law and Regulatory matters. He has particular expertise in matters of high value confiscation, restraint and forfeiture.
Nigel is go-to Counsel of choice countrywide, highly sought after.
For many of the most high-profile public figures wanting unvarnished, honest, solid, and sound advice he is the first person they turn to.
‘He is a persuasive advocate, who builds a rapport with witnesses, clients and judges’
Nigel has for many years represented children involved in the gravest of crimes and has been the go-to expert in relation to the defence of them. He builds a rapport and gains their trust second to none.
Nigel has unparalleled experience in International Law and has recently finished advising the family and leading the legal team representing a British dual national who was detained in Iran until successful negotiations saw his release by the regime.
In the past he has been involved with issues arising all over the world including, among others: South Africa, Russia, Ukraine, Japan, India and the United States.
Nigel was sworn in as King’s Counsel in December 2018.
In 2007 Nigel qualified as a commercial mediator and has run a successful mediation partnership with a number of non-legally qualified mediators.
What my clients say
“Carrying his strong junior reputation for fraud over into his silk practice” – The Legal 500, United Kingdom 2020
“Well known for defending in complex fraud cases”
“He has extensive experience in serious fraud cases”
“He is a persuasive advocate, who builds a rapport with witnesses, clients and judges”
“He has a great tactical brain”
“Gets to grips with complex fraud cases quickly and easily”
“A great deal of experience in large fraud work”
- London
- Yorkshire
- Northumberland