Engaged by a commercial entity which was targeted by a government organisation in a protracted and politicised dispute in a former Soviet state. Provided advice and hands-on assistance with the conception and execution of an ancillary legal action to secure time for settlement discussions and political manoeuvring. Our role evolved over time and included investigating a series of press reports to uncover a sophisticated, covert, cross-border “fake news” campaign in European and US media outlets intended to damage our client. Other work involved a political power-mapping exercise and an investigative assessment of links between the client’s adversary and members of the government and the judiciary.

Engaged by a company in the extractives industry which had its licence revoked by a central African government, ostensibly for failing to meet an investment schedule. Obtained evidence demonstrating that the client had in fact sought to make the required investments but had been frustrated by domestic corruption. Discovered further that a disgruntled competitor was engaged in a negative misinformation campaign against the client. Our findings were used to discredit the campaign.

Acted for counsel on behalf of a group of investors being investigated by a tax regulator as part of a clampdown on tax efficient investments. Evidenced that the investors had been misled in renewable energy projects and that monies thought to have been invested in land, equipment and staffing were in fact embezzled. The evidence was not exculpatory, but it facilitated negotiations with the regulator.

Acted for counsel to fight an extradition request based on a spurious allegation of corruption. Demonstrated and evidenced that the purported investigation giving rise to the allegation had in fact never taken place and that the allegation itself could be attributed to a commercial vendetta.