JOHN HURLOCK · Financial crime barrister
John Hurlock advises and represents individuals and businesses in fraud, money laundering and related proceeds-of-crime proceedings.
SELECTED EXPERIENCE
His work includes defending money-laundering allegations and securing the return of seized assets.
John defended a bitcoin trader accused of laundering criminal proceeds. Analysis of wallet records and phone data, alongside cross-examination of expert witnesses, supported the defence. The jury unanimously acquitted N.
Read case summaryFollowing guilty pleas to drug trafficking offences and conspiracies, John contested the Crown’s claimed benefit of over £20.9 million. The court rejected the alleged hidden assets and determined the benefit at £350,000 — more than £20.6 million below the figure sought. This was a confiscation result following conviction, not an acquittal.
View caseAfter guilty pleas to drug-supply conspiracies and acquiring criminal property, John successfully challenged the role alleged by the prosecution at a Newton hearing. His client was sentenced on the accepted defence basis. In subsequent contested confiscation proceedings involving UK and overseas property, vehicles and bank funds, no money or assets were confiscated. These results concern sentencing and confiscation, not an acquittal.
View caseJohn represented a woman accused of laundering more than £50,000 from a drug enterprise. The defence examined messages, bank transactions and her account in interview. The jury unanimously acquitted her of the money-laundering conspiracy.
Read case summaryTHE PRACTICE
He gives expert analysis, investigative insight, and litigation support in cases relating to corporate fraud, money laundering, asset tracing, bribery and corruption.
Known for delivering clear, impartial advice that meets the highest standards, he is regularly instructed to assist with expert witness reports, forensic reviews of financial data, and strategic advice in high-value and high-profile cases. He also offers guidance on disclosure, trial preparation, and cross-border financial crime issues, and works closely with legal teams to build and present robust cases.
Recent examples of his advisory work in this area include:
Advice and representation in allegations concerning dishonest transactions and the handling of criminal proceeds.
Advice during financial investigations, voluntary interviews and attendance following arrest. Evening and weekend attendance is offered by arrangement. His experience includes a £39 million VAT-diversion fraud investigation.
Advice on confiscation, seized assets and proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Assistance with expert witness reports, forensic reviews of financial data, disclosure and trial preparation, including strategic advice on cross-border financial crime issues.
BEFORE YOU ENQUIRE
Yes. He advises on corporate and financial investigations before charges are brought. His experience includes a £39 million VAT-diversion fraud investigation. Contact the clerks with a brief outline of the investigation and the advice required.
More about his advisory workYes. His experience includes proceeds-of-crime matters and asset recovery. In Greater Manchester Police v X, written representations led to a forfeiture case being withdrawn and seized jewellery being returned.
Read the asset recovery case summaryTell the clerks the type of matter, its stage, the work you need and any deadlines. They can check availability and explain the scope, fees, VAT and any additional costs in the proposed instructions.
Fees and quotationsTHE NEXT STEP
Email him directly about your case or call the clerks at 2 Bedford Row. Evening and weekend attendance is offered, with availability and fees confirmed when arranging instructions.
SELECTED EXPERIENCE
His work includes defending money-laundering allegations and securing the return of seized assets.
John defended a bitcoin trader accused of laundering criminal proceeds. Analysis of wallet records and phone data, alongside cross-examination of expert witnesses, supported the defence. The jury unanimously acquitted N.
Read case summaryFollowing guilty pleas to drug trafficking offences and conspiracies, John contested the Crown’s claimed benefit of over £20.9 million. The court rejected the alleged hidden assets and determined the benefit at £350,000 — more than £20.6 million below the figure sought. This was a confiscation result following conviction, not an acquittal.
View caseAfter guilty pleas to drug-supply conspiracies and acquiring criminal property, John successfully challenged the role alleged by the prosecution at a Newton hearing. His client was sentenced on the accepted defence basis. In subsequent contested confiscation proceedings involving UK and overseas property, vehicles and bank funds, no money or assets were confiscated. These results concern sentencing and confiscation, not an acquittal.
View caseJohn represented a woman accused of laundering more than £50,000 from a drug enterprise. The defence examined messages, bank transactions and her account in interview. The jury unanimously acquitted her of the money-laundering conspiracy.
Read case summaryTHE PRACTICE
He gives expert analysis, investigative insight, and litigation support in cases relating to corporate fraud, money laundering, asset tracing, bribery and corruption.
Known for delivering clear, impartial advice that meets the highest standards, he is regularly instructed to assist with expert witness reports, forensic reviews of financial data, and strategic advice in high-value and high-profile cases. He also offers guidance on disclosure, trial preparation, and cross-border financial crime issues, and works closely with legal teams to build and present robust cases.
Recent examples of his advisory work in this area include:
Advice and representation in allegations concerning dishonest transactions and the handling of criminal proceeds.
Advice during financial investigations, voluntary interviews and attendance following arrest. Evening and weekend attendance is offered by arrangement. His experience includes a £39 million VAT-diversion fraud investigation.
BEFORE YOU ENQUIRE
Yes. He advises on corporate and financial investigations before charges are brought. His experience includes a £39 million VAT-diversion fraud investigation. Contact the clerks with a brief outline of the investigation and the advice required.
More about his advisory workYes. His experience includes proceeds-of-crime matters and asset recovery. In Greater Manchester Police v X, written representations led to a forfeiture case being withdrawn and seized jewellery being returned.
Read the asset recovery case summaryTell the clerks the type of matter, its stage, the work you need and any deadlines. They can check availability and explain the scope, fees, VAT and any additional costs in the proposed instructions.
Fees and quotationsAdvice on confiscation, seized assets and proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Assistance with expert witness reports, forensic reviews of financial data, disclosure and trial preparation, including strategic advice on cross-border financial crime issues.
