Jonathan Lennon in successful POCA Account Freezing Order challenge

Jonathan Lennon was instructed by David Bloom of Sonn Macmillan Walker, representing a couple based in Israel whose UK bank account was frozen following an application to the Westminster Magistrates’ Court by HMRC.  Far from being the proceeds of crime the bank account contained the proceeds of legitimate business activity.  Following extensive cross-examination of the officer at an AFO extension application, HMRC were left in no doubt as what they had to prove at any further application.  Coupled with detailed evidence and precision pressure placed on HMRC in correspondence, HMRC conceded in February 2023 and applied to the Court to discharge its own Account Freezing Order. 

Challenging Account Freezing Orders made under Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 requires a particular approach and specific expertise.  This is the latest AFO case that Jonathan has been instructed where ultimately the AFO has been discharged.