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Disputes, investigations & asset recovery

We gather intelligence and evidence to help clients and counsel resolve complex disputes. Our team conducts investigations into allegations of fraud, corruption, sanctions breaches and other forms of corporate misconduct.

We may be engaged at the outset of a matter to help shape the investigative strategy or brought in at a later stage to address a specific fact-finding objective.

Our multidisciplinary team combines experienced investigators with qualified private practice lawyers, bringing deep sector and geographic expertise to every engagement. Working alongside forensic accountants, digital forensic specialists and public relations advisers, we provide a seamless investigative capability and coordinated support throughout the lifecycle of a dispute.

Disputes

We obtain intelligence and admissible evidence to guide decision-making, inform the development of the legal strategy and ultimately strengthen our clients’ position in a dispute, wherever it may lead.

Internal investigations

We conduct early-stage fact finding to assist in the triage of a concern or set of allegations, and manage independent investigations into instances of reported bribery, corruption, conflicts of interest, fraud, tax evasion. sanctions breaches and other issues presenting legal or reputational risks, including supply chain and ESG-related matters.

Asset tracing & recovery

We support legal counsel and their clients to enforce judgments and arbitral awards against sovereigns, companies and individuals. We identify and secure admissible evidence related to the asset position of a defendant or respondent party for clients seeking to assess the financial viability of a claim at an early stage, or to develop an enforcement strategy post-judgment. 

Witness identification

We locate, evaluate and interview individuals who may be defendants or factual witnesses in the context of legal proceedings, or as part of an internal investigation.

Case studies

Mining-8-web

Investor-state arbitration

Scenario
We were engaged at an early stage in an investor-state arbitration matter to support our mining sector client and counsel team in developing its claim.
Impact
We investigated the circumstances and decision-making leading up to the cancellation of a concession contract, as well as the prospects for re-negotiation or settlement further down the line. As part of this work, we identified, interviewed and developed relationships with potential witnesses of fact.
Latin America
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Internal investigation

Scenario
We conducted an investigation on behalf of a consumables manufacturer and external counsel, into allegations of corruption and product diversion on the part of a distributor operating in the Horn of Africa.
Impact
We examined the distributor’s track record and operational footprint, focussing on the nature and extent of connections with certain high-risk government officials. Conducted interviews with the client’s local employees and contractors.
Horn of Africa
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Asset mapping exercise

Scenario
We were instructed by counsel acting for an international commodities house in arbitration proceedings against a joint venture partner.
Impact
We carried out a global asset search on the respondent parties, as well as almost 30 additional subjects relevant to the proceedings. Our investigation covered multiple jurisdictions, including Russia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Cyprus, Finland, Kazakhstan, the British Virgin Islands and the United States.
Multi-jurisdictional
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Supply chain investigation

Scenario
We were engaged by counsel on behalf of a clothing retailer in response to allegations of exploitative labour practices at a Southeast Asian garment factory.
Impact
We investigated the profile and track record of the factory operator and, via a discreet site visit and interviews, answered specific questions relating to the composition of the factory’s workforce and conditions of employee facilities.
Southeast Asia

Key contacts

Patrick 1

Patrick Kelkar

Deputy CEO
Tim R 2025 1

Tim Roberts

Director
Alyssa

Alyssa Misner

Director
Johan 3

Johan van Spengler

Associate Director

Other services

Deals, partnerships & supply chains

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Strategy, growth & market entry

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