Zulfi Meerza

Managing Associate, Global Investigations
London, UK

Expertise

Zulfi Meerza specialises in all aspects of financial crime and sanctions / export controls, with a particular focus on advising / representing corporates, senior executives and high net-worth individuals in white collar and sanctions investigations (both internal and external), covering a broad spectrum of alleged misconduct, including fraud, bribery & corruption, money laundering and sanctions / export control violations.

Zulfi’s experience as a financial crime prosecutor for the UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) make him an asset for clients in the most complex, cross-border investigations that often involve engagement with multiple enforcement agencies, including the NCA, HMRC, OFSI, OTSI and the US DoJ.

Zulfi’s advisory practice involves assisting corporate clients across a range of business sectors with updating / implementing / maintaining their financial crime and sanctions compliance frameworks, and draws on his specific knowledge of the UK sanctions regime to advise clients on adhering to laws on sanctions / export controls, preparing licence applications and responding to information requests from domestic and overseas regulators.

Experience

Represented two high net-worth individuals in a HMRC criminal investigation in relation to alleged overseas bribery and fraud offences**.
Acting for a leading organisation within the jewellery and watch industry on its legal and reputational exposure to UK sanctions in relation to the operation of a historic hotel in Russia.
Advised a leading European airline on urgent UK and EU sanctions compliance regarding dealings with designated Russian oil majors, requiring direct engagement with OFSI on licensing to ensure lawful continuation of fuel supply arrangements.
Acting for a specialist IT distributor of dual-use software and technology in an internal investigation to identify any potential exposure to UK export controls.
Advised a special administrator in relation to the POCA confiscation regime and money laundering reporting obligations flowing from a sensitive data information request sent by UK law enforcement.
Acting for a UK specialist software design and manufacturing company operating in different industries (including aerospace and semi-conductor) on compliance with UK sanctions and export controls in relation to (i) the purchase of its software and (ii) the provision of its services.
Advised a leading European financial institution on strategic compliance with UK financial sanctions in relation to complex loan facilities involving designated persons including navigating OFSI licensing and reporting obligations, responding to regulator enquiries, and assessing UK nexus and enforcement risk to ensure lawful structuring and fund transfers.

** indicates experience prior to joining AG.

Education

De Montfort University - PG Certificate in Sports Law and Practice, 2016.
The University of Law (formerly The College of Law) - Legal Practice Course (LPC), 2010.
School of Oriental & African Studies (University of London) – LLB Law, 2006 – 2009.

Languages