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 retail and consumer standards body in relation to its legal and reputational risk arising out of global members continuing to engage in business in Russia and/or retaining ownership of business or assets 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.
Investigation and prosecution of Barclays Bank and former senior executives in relation to allegations of fraud connected to the £11.8 billion recapitalisation of Barclays in 2008 (Barclays / Qatar case)**.
Investigation and prosecution of three individuals for alleged fraud and money laundering offences in relation to the collapse of the Cayman Islands based Axiom Legal Financing Fund, which had raised £100 million from investors**.
Investigation into British American Tobacco regarding allegations of serious wrongdoing, including bribery of foreign public officials and anti-competitive practices in numerous countries**.
* indicates experience prior to joining AG.
** notable prosecution experience as a senior case lawyer at the SFO.
- 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
- English (native)
- Urdu (fluent)
- Memberships
- Fraud Lawyers Association (FLA)
- Fraud Advisory Panel (FAP)
- White Collar Crime Young Practitioners (WCCYP)
