Since joining Gherson Solicitors LLP, Tom has utilised his experience in leading aspects of high-profile international cases as both a defence and prosecution lawyer to advise both individuals and corporations subject to multi-agency domestic and multi-jurisdictional proceedings and regulatory actions.

Tom brings extensive experience advising in relation to extradition, mutual legal assistance and INTERPOL, specifically in relation to cross-border proceedings involving allegations of complex financial crime, bribery and corruption, and money laundering.

With a thorough understanding of blockchain technology, digital currencies and cryptoassets, Tom also advises both individuals and corporations regarding the financial regulation and compliance of this novel and disruptive area, and in cases that have a cryptoasset angle. Tom regularly writes and comments on these topics.

Tom joined Gherson Solicitors LLP from the Serious Fraud Office (“SFO”), where he initially worked as disclosure counsel on LIBOR cases and the Barclays Qatar case. Then, as a prosecution lawyer, Tom led significant aspects of a large-scale fraud investigation and elements of another global investigation. At the SFO, Tom provided legal expertise in relation to interviews, searches, extradition and mutual legal assistance.

In 2016 Tom undertook an LLM (Distinction) in Financial Regulation and Compliance, and his dissertation focused on the regulation of blockchain technology.

Prior to joining the SFO Tom, was a highly experienced criminal and extradition defence lawyer (duty solicitor) in a Chambers and Partners Band 1 rated team. In this role, Tom led the management of two extradition cases before the Supreme Court.

Notable experience

• Whilst at the SFO:
  • Tom led, in collaboration with overseas prosecuting agencies, significant legal aspects of the multi-jurisdictional investigations and negotiations resulting in the Airbus Deferred Prosecution Agreement (“DPA”), the world’s largest global settlement for bribery and corruption.
• Since joining Gherson Solicitors LLP:
  • Advised individuals regarding INTERPOL, Red Notices and data protection issues, and made representations to INTERPOL in a variety of circumstances.
  • Advised a company responding to a request under data protection law and a Crown Court production order.
  • Advised in relation to an SFO UK property freezing order against the backdrop of a complex multi-jurisdictional matter concerning allegations of bribery and corruption.
  • Advised in the context of an Unexplained Wealth Order.
  • Advised in relation to litigation in a multi-jurisdictional cryptocurrency-related dispute.
  • Advised regarding anti-money laundering compliance procedures, including in relation to crypto-assets and non-fungible tokens.
  • Advised numerous individuals who have had their bank accounts frozen and made representations.
  • Advised in relation to account freezing orders.

Admissions

• Admitted as a Solicitor in England and Wales: 2011

Recognitions

• Chambers and Partners UK 2024
  Practice areas: Extradition

Publications

• Legal Developments in the seizure and recovery of cryptoassets
• HMRC NFT seizures
• Crypto Assets
• HM Treasury’s AML Review
• Crypto Assets and Financial Crime
• Tom assisted in drafting the SFO’s Operational Handbook DPA section