£90.5m Confiscation Order in case of R v P— one of the largest in UK History

On 28 August 2025, a confiscation order in the sum of £90.5 million was made by Chester Crown Court 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 almost £380 million. Following extensive legal argument and submissions on behalf Defendant, 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 advocacy in complex confiscation litigation.

Martin Evans KC says “This was an extraordinarily 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 demonstrate that the Crown’s position overstated the benefit by nearly £290 million. The final order, while still enormous, represents a significant defence success.”

Martin Evans KC acted for the Defendant, leading Ian Whitehurst of Exchange Chambers and Instructed by John Jackson of Abbey Solicitors.