David Corker and Peter Binning are named as key individuals in Cartel Defence (London) by Chambers 2012.
- David Corker - Band 1
- Peter Binning - Band 1
- Corker Binning - Band 1
Cartels and company investigations
Since the advent of the criminal cartel offence in June 2003, there has been a major increase in the demand for individuals to be represented in criminal investigations. Many of these are multi-jurisdictional and carry a significant threat of extradition, especially in relation to US investigations. Corker Binning has been involved in most of the criminal cartel investigations in the UK over the last decade and has in-depth experience of advising both witnesses and suspects. We typically defend individual directors and employees, usually working closely with lawyers acting for the company, and advise on the regime for leniency for individuals.
We also have a proven track record in carrying out internal investigations on behalf of companies. These investigations may arise in relation to internal or external allegations that have been made against a director or employee and that have affected the company.
Our lawyers include former prosecutors and a former policeman - a breadth of experience which is highly effective in company investigations. We advise during pre-charge investigations and interviews and act during any subsequent prosecution. We also advise individuals and companies on whistle blowing and plea bargains for those involved in cartel activities or foreign corruption.
Corker Binning is renowned for its expertise in criminal and regulatory litigation with criminal cartel investigations a further forte of the team.
Chambers UK 2012
Recent and ongoing cartel and company investigation work includes advising:
- an individual alleged to have been involved in price fixing in the UK car components market. In our submissions to the OFT, we argued that it would be wrong to single out our client for prosecution and that it could not be proved that he had acted dishonestly. In October 2011, the OFT announced that it had discontinued its criminal investigation of him
- a UK client in the US criminal cartel case involving price fixing in the carbon products market and, specifically, at the trial of Ian Norris. In a plea-bargain in Philadelphia, our client agreed to serve a short four month prison sentence and returned to the UK rather than fighting extradition
- two Virgin employees who were witnesses in the BA/Virgin investigation after being caught up in alleged cartelist behaviour at Heathrow Airport in relation to cargo pricing
- 3 suspects in the failed SFO prosecution of pharmaceutical companies and executives for alleged price-fixing. We negotiated immunity deals in lieu of their prosecution
- an individual alleged to have been involved in price fixing in the UK commercial vehicles market.
Visit the blog to read our views on a wide range of criminal cartel defence issues. And for more information contact David Corker or Peter Binning on 0207 353 6000.
