On 28th August 2025 Mr P was throughout the proceedings represented by Abbey Solicitors the crown court made a confiscation order in the sum of £90.5 million in the case of R v P. This is believed to be the second largest confiscation order ever made in the United Kingdom under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
The Crown originally alleged a criminal benefit figure of £379,761,899.23 Following extensive legal argument and submissions on behalf of the defendant by Abbey Solicitors and Counsel the court determined the benefit figure at £90.5 million – a reduction of almost £290 million.
This outcome demonstrates both the exceptional scale of the proceedings and the decisive impact of robust defence by Abbey Solicitors in complex confiscation litigation.
Quotes from Counsel and Solicitors
Martin Evans KC (33 Chancery Lane) said:
“This was an extraordinary complex case, both in its factual background and the scale of the benefit figure originally alleged. Through careful analysis and sustained legal argument we were able to persuade the Court that the Crowns position was overstated by nearly £290 million. The final order, while still enormous represents a significant defence success.”
Ian Whitehurst (Exchange Chambers / 33 Chancery Lane) said:
“The outcome underlines the importance of rigorous scrutiny of the prosecution’s case in POCA proceedings. This is believed to be the second largest confiscation order ever imposed in the UK, but it could have been greater without robust challenge to the Crowns calculations. Our submissions ensured a fairer and more proportionate result.”
Nadeem Ullah and John Jackson Abbey Solicitors (Manchester) added:
“This case shows the value of assembling a highly experienced defence team in the most serious POCA cases. The reduction achieved illustrates the effectiveness of a collaborative approach between solicitors and counsel, and the determination to protect our clients position.”
National News Coverage
For further information on this landmark confiscation order, please see coverage in The Guardian:
Court orders seizure of counterfeit underwear seller’s £90m assets – The Guardian