Introduction
Abbas Lakha KC is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most successful and respected leading silks, with a heavyweight practice which encompasses a broad range of specialist areas. He is regularly instructed to advise upon and defend in the most
challenging and high profile cases. He is particularly sought after to advise in International financial crime cases, representing clients 
both in the UK and around the world.
He is retained as a Consultant to the Sabra Defence team in the Hague, who aredefending an accused alleged to have been
complicit in the assassination of the Lebanese Prime Minister, Mr. Rafik Hariri. Abbas has experience in all forms of Civil and Criminal Fraud and asset forfeiture work, including restraint and confiscation, and appears before the Tax Tribunals (First Tier and Upper Tier) in respect of VAT and Tax cases. He is highly respected for his advocacy, his attention to detail and his negotiating skills. Regularly instructed to advise at the pre-investigative stages of cases, Abbas has 
extensive experience of representing high profile individuals for whom reputation management is a significant concern.
Rated in Chambers UK and Legal 500 directories as a leader in the fields of international crime, murder, terrorism, financial crime and asset forfeiture, Abbas Lakha KC is noted for his detailed preparation, incisive examination and strong jury advocacy. He is particularly skilled in handling international money laundering cases, bribery and corruption prosecutions, VAT frauds, missing trader frauds and insider dealing cases.
Areas of practice include:
Financial Crime
Expertise in defending in large-scale HMRC MTIC/VAT frauds, SFO cases, Bribery and Corruption allegations, money laundering cases, and fraud related civil proceedings in the High Court [with civil Juniors], as well as proceedings before the First and Upper Tier Tribunal in respect of VAT reclaims and appeals against personal liability notices.
Notable cases include: HMRC v Sunico ApS and Others, R v Goddard (Operation Vaulter), R v Gathani (Operation Inertia), R v Hague (Operation District), Z Khan v HMRC.
Terrorism
Notable cases include R v Adebowlae (Fusilier Lee Rigby), R v Aabid Khan (alleged Al Qaeda operative), R v Feddag (ricin case), R v Taimur Shah and others (Afghan Hijacking).
International Crime
Work undertaken includes being a Consultant to the Sabra Team at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, advisor to a Kenyan politician (extradition request from Jersey to Kenyan authorities) charged with corruption and money laundering, advisor to former British soldiers on anti-piracy duty in the Indian Ocean arrested in India, advising a Russian oligarch in relation to his financial affairs in the UK, and advising British Nationals residing in the UAE in respect of potential prosecution for financial fraud in the UK.
Extradition
Experience of challenging European and International Arrest Warrants including Interpol Red Alert Notices.
Regulatory Work
Undertakes VAT Tribunal work before the Upper and First Tier Tribunals and represents Accountants, Lawyers, Medical personnel and sports personalities before their disciplinary Tribunals.
Private prosecutions
Abbas has experience of prosecuting and defending in Private Prosecutions on behalf of both individuals and corporate entities and is a member of the Private Prosecutors’ Association. He can lead clients through the procedural maze of the Criminal Justice System in mounting a Private Prosecution, the thorny issue of disclosure right up to preparing and presenting the prosecution case at trial.
Appointments
- Queens Counsel (2003).
- Inspector for the Department of Trade and Industry (2000).
- The Criminal Bar Association of England & Wales Co-opted Committee Member.
- The Bar Council of England & Wales VHCC Fees Committee.
- Member of the Corporate Crime Editorial Board of Lexis Nexis
Memberships
- The Bar Council of England and Wales.
- The Criminal Bar Association.
- The European Criminal Bar Association.
- The International Criminal Defence Attorneys Association.
- International Bar Association.
- The Society of Black Lawyers.
- The Society of Asian Lawyers.
Languages
- Gujerati
- Swahili