A private prosecution can be an efficient and focused means of achieving justice. This is particularly true in cases involving fraud, which can take many years for public bodies to investigate. For companies, a private prosecution can send a powerful deterrent message.

Our unparalleled experience of both defending and bringing private prosecutions makes us a market leader in this rapidly developing area. Since January 2020, we have represented the Post Office, which prior to our instructions acted as a private prosecutor in what has been described as the largest miscarriage of justice in UK legal history. We are assisting the current Post Office team on the review of a large volume of criminal appeals.

We have a proven track record in the conduct of private prosecutions, having successfully brought the largest private prosecution on behalf of an individual in the UK to date. R v Somaia resulted in nine convictions for obtaining a money transfer by deception with a total value of US$19.7 million.

Our highly experienced team of lawyers includes former senior prosecutors. They lead clients through the sometimes daunting process of mounting a case as well as the complexities of the criminal justice system. It is a testament to our undoubted expertise that the Crown Prosecution Service refused to take over the prosecution of R v Somaia, citing, among other reasons, Peters & Peters’ ability to conduct the prosecution to the rigorously high standards required.

We have a lot of experience defending private prosecutions as well as bringing them. We successfully resisted two separate private prosecutions brought against global financial institutions before they got to court. We also acted in high-profile proceedings brought against a former partner in an international law firm by a former client.

We also help individuals and companies to report crimes to the right authority or agency. We can guide you through the process of gathering evidence and help present it in a clear and concise manner, ensuring any investigation has the best possible chance of success. We liaise with the investigating or prosecuting authority on your behalf, making sure you are kept informed of progress.