Common White Collar Crimes

Our firm represents clients facing a broad range of white collar crime allegations, including:

• Fraud (corporate, securities, investment, or banking).
• Bribery and anti bribery violations.
• Tax evasion and false filings.
• Insider trading.
• Theft of misappropriation of millions in funds or assets.
• Sanctions breaches.
• Breach of fiduciary duty and corporate governance failures.
• Violations under the Foreign Public Officials Act.

These crimes are often complex, involving multiple jurisdictions, companies, and government investigations, which may reach both domestic and international levels.

Our Expertise

Our firm brings a high level of expertise to every matter. We have successfully acted in white collar and regulatory cases involving technology sectors, natural resources, public companies, and private businesses.

We routinely handle cases involving:

• Canada’s corruption enforcement framework.
• The Foreign Public Officials Act.
• Cross-border government investigations.
• Criminal and regulatory prosecutions.
• Public and confidential internal investigations.

By advising clients from the earliest stages, we often help prevent charges from being laid and protect our clients’ interests in connection with wide-ranging investigations.

Defence Strategies in Complex Financial Cases

White collar criminal defence requires a different approach from traditional criminal litigation. It demands thorough document analysis, attention to financial detail, and an ability to uncover procedural flaws in the investigation process.

We draw on a full range of investigative and legal tools to:

• Challenge unlawful searches.
• Exclude tainted evidence.
• Undermine weak or circumstantial Crown theories.
• Conduct thorough internal investigations.
• Identify breaches of Charter rights.

We also work closely with forensic accountants, regulatory consultants, and subject-matter experts to build comprehensive defence strategies in high-value white collar crime cases.

Legal Guidance in Government Investigations

Being the subject of government investigations, especially those involving alleged corrupt or fraud, can have devastating consequences for both individuals and companies. Investigations may involve agencies such as the police, FINTRAC, or securities commissions.

We offer legal guidance at every stage, including:

• Responding to subpoenas or production orders.
• Attending interviews with police or investigators.
• Negotiating with enforcement agencies.
• Conducting proactive reviews on your behalf.

Early legal intervention often determines whether an internal investigation remains confidential or evolves into a public criminal prosecution.

Navigating Criminal and Regulatory Proceedings

Our lawyers routinely represent clients in parallel criminal and regulatory proceedings. These may include investigations by the Ontario Securities Commission, RCMP, or federal anti-corruption units.

We ensure that our clients’ Charter rights are protected while managing the security, strategy, and tone of engagement with enforcement bodies. Each white collar crime lawyer in our firm is experienced in defending allegations before both courts and administrative tribunals.

Excluding Evidence Through Charter Challenges

Many white collar crime cases involve aggressive investigatory tactics, including compelled testimony, search warrants, and wiretaps. We routinely challenge the admissibility of such evidence through:

• Section 8 (unlawful search and seizure).
• Section 7 (denial of fundamental justice).
• Section 13 (use of compelled statements).

Successful Charter applications may result in the exclusion of evidence or even a stay of proceedings, providing a powerful defence tool in white collar cases.

Allegations Against Professionals and Executives

Executives, board members, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals may face allegations of failing to prevent fraud, participating in bribery, or misleading regulatory bodies. We have acted in sensitive matters involving C-suite executives and directors accused of wrongdoing in connection with their roles.

Allegations of dishonesty or corruption can severely damage a person’s reputation and career. Our team works diligently to protect our clients and limit exposure, while navigating both the legal and public relations dimensions of the case.

Media Strategy and Reputational Defence

In white collar crime cases, managing public perception is often as important as the legal outcome. A strategic media response can help preserve your reputation during government investigations or following public allegations.

We work discreetly with public relations advisors, where appropriate, to ensure that our clients are portrayed fairly, and that media narratives do not prejudice their right to a fair trial.

Corporate Compliance and Risk Management

Proactive compliance programs are vital to preventing white collar offences and reducing corporate liability. Our lawyers regularly advise companies on:

• Designing anti-bribery and anti corruption policies.
• Whistleblower response protocols.
• Reporting procedures for potential violations.
• Training and oversight for senior management.

We help clients develop a solid anti corruption practice that meets Canadian legal standards and reduces risk in relation to enforcement.

Sentencing and Penalties for White Collar Crimes

Penalties for white collar crime can be severe. A conviction may lead to:

• Substantial fines.
• Orders to repay millions in illicit gains.
• Prison sentences.
• Professional licence suspension.
• Lasting damage to one’s reputation.

Our lawyers carefully prepare for sentencing by presenting mitigating evidence, advocating for non-custodial outcomes, and emphasizing the clients’ interests, cooperation, and lack of prior criminal history.