Dawn Raids
An unannounced visit from an investigating authority demanding access to company data, often referred to as a ‘dawn raid’, is a corporate emergency. This requires a careful and considered response in a moment of crisis.
There are several law enforcement agencies that may search premises and seize documents or electronic records under the authority of a warrant granted by a court or compel inspection using other statutory powers. This can include the FCA, SFO, HMRC, ICO or the Police.
If your business finds itself confronted with a dawn raid where investigators are seeking to obtain data, or compelling individuals to answer questions, you should immediately seek legal advice and can call us.
Our Crime, Investigations and Enforcement Team is able to offer the following:
- Providing training to staff in preparation of a dawn raid
- Preparing tailored ‘dawn raid guidance’ for use in case of a search
- Attending and supervising a search
- Challenging the legal basis of a search
- Advising on the potential for internal investigation
- Representation in any following investigation/proceedings
Should you be the target of a dawn raid, be sure to remember the following:
- Ensure that the investigators are genuine and have a legal authority to conduct the search
- You must not obstruct the investigators
- You must not disclose confidential information unless required to by law
- Alert the investigators to any legally privileged material, they are not allowed to view this, and it must be separated from other material
- Make a record of what has been done including the times
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