FAQs About Forensic Accountancy and POCA

What does a forensic accountant do in criminal defence cases?

A forensic accountant analyses financial records, bank statements, business accounts, tax records, and prosecution evidence to provide expert financial analysis in criminal defence cases. This can include challenging prosecution calculations, identifying legitimate sources of income, tracing assets, reviewing disclosure material, and assisting solicitors and barristers in Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) proceedings.

Can a forensic accountant help with POCA confiscation proceedings?

Yes. A forensic accountant can assist throughout POCA confiscation proceedings by reviewing the prosecution’s benefit and available amount calculations, identifying errors or unsupported assumptions, analysing financial evidence, and preparing expert reports. This can help ensure confiscation figures are accurate, evidence based, and properly supported.

What is a confiscation order under POCA?

A confiscation order is a court order made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 requiring a convicted defendant to pay an amount based on the benefit obtained from criminal conduct. The court must also determine the defendant’s available amount. A forensic accountant can help assess whether these figures have been calculated fairly and in accordance with the evidence.

What are hidden assets in a POCA case?

Hidden assets are assets the prosecution alleges a defendant owns or controls but has failed to disclose. These allegations are often based on financial assumptions, expenditure patterns, unexplained transactions, or lifestyle evidence. A forensic accountant can review the financial evidence to determine whether the allegations are supported and whether the assumptions being made are justified.

Can a forensic accountant challenge prosecution figures?

Yes. A forensic accountant can critically review prosecution schedules, financial assumptions, and benefit calculations to identify inaccuracies or weaknesses in the Crown’s case. This may include identifying double counting, unsupported assumptions, mathematical errors, incorrect financial analysis, or legitimate sources of funds that have been overlooked.

When should I instruct a forensic accountant in a criminal case?

A forensic accountant should ideally be instructed as early as possible. Early instruction allows sufficient time to review disclosure material, analyse financial evidence, assess POCA calculations, and assist the legal team before trial, plea discussions, or confiscation proceedings.

Do you accept legally aided instructions?

Yes. Beyond Forensic regularly accepts legally aided instructions in criminal defence matters. We can provide fee estimates, CVs, and all supporting documentation required for prior authority applications and expert funding requests.

What types of cases does Beyond Forensic work on?

Beyond Forensic primarily works on POCA confiscation proceedings, hidden asset allegations, fraud investigations, money laundering cases, restraint matters, financial disputes, and complex criminal cases involving detailed financial analysis or expert accountancy evidence.

Can you assist with section 22 POCA applications?

Yes. Beyond Forensic can assist with section 22 POCA applications, where the prosecution seeks to increase the available amount after a confiscation order has already been made. We can review updated financial evidence, analyse asset ownership, and assess whether the prosecution’s revised calculations are properly supported.

Do you provide forensic accountancy services across the UK?

Beyond Forensic works with criminal defence solicitors and barristers throughout England and Wales. We do not currently accept instructions in Scotland or Ireland.

Why choose Beyond Forensic?

Beyond Forensic specialises in criminal defence forensic accountancy and POCA matters. We provide clear, independent, and evidence based financial analysis tailored to the needs of solicitors, barristers, and defendants. We understand the importance of detailed financial investigation, realistic timescales, and practical support in complex criminal proceedings.

How do I get a quote for forensic accountancy services?

You can contact Beyond Forensic directly at mark@beyondforensic.com. Once we have reviewed the case details, we can provide a fee estimate together with any documentation required for legal aid applications or prior authority requests.