Ashley is Head of Commercial Litigation and Civil Fraud.
Ashley possesses a unique specialism in investigations and contentious practice, with expertise in large complex commercial disputes, fraud, and asset recovery, as well as being a highly experienced private criminal prosecutor. His commitment to justice and understanding of the complexities of civil and criminal law provides him with a distinctive advantage to deliver results for his clients.
Ashley is an experienced and skilled litigator known for his acute analytical judgment, creative approach, and his ability to unravel complex disputes. He is often instructed in emergency procedures, including asset freezing relief where time is of the essence, and his work ranges from professional negligence claims, the diversion of business opportunities and breaches of fiduciary duty to claims involving deceit, conspiracy, and secret profit.
Ashley maintains a deep understanding of the evolving crypto fraud landscape. His knowledge of blockchain technology, cryptocurrency and NFT’s enables him to navigate the complexities of crypto fraud with precision. He was recently involved in the pioneering case of Law v Persons Unknown and Huobi Global Ltd [2023] 1 WLUK 577 (26 January 2023) (Delivery up of funds in offshore cryptocurrency accounts ordered despite WFO) which resulted in a novel mechanism by which substantial judgments obtained against cryptoasset fraudsters can, in certain circumstances, be more readily satisfied than was previously thought.
Ashley is also a seasoned private prosecution specialist, fearlessly championing justice on behalf of his clients. His understanding of the nuances of criminal law surrounding private prosecutions enables him to pursue such cases with tenacity and efficacy. Notably, led by Tamlyn Edmonds, he has advised and represented a client in confiscation proceedings, resulting in securing confiscation and compensation orders totalling £38+ million, the largest confiscation order ever obtained by a private prosecutor in the UK.
Throughout his career, Ashley has been recognized for his strategic thinking, tenacity, and creative approach to the law. He continues to push boundaries and demonstrates adaptability in navigating evolving legal landscapes to achieve justice for his clients.
- Fuseon Limited v Senior Courts Costs Office [2019] EWHC 126 (Admin), – Landmark decision on extent of recoverable costs incurred by a private prosecutor.
- R v Camilleri (2018) – successful prosecution for making false representations in an IVA proposal, in which assets were valued at £9m.
- In the Matter of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 – R v Gheewala & anor – (2017) – civil enforcement proceedings against a defendant and various family members including his ex-wife, sister, brother-in-law, associate and daughter.
- Acting for a client in a professional negligence action against her former solicitors.
- Court of Appeal case of Ketan Somaia v Regina (in the matter of a prosecution by Murli Mirchandani) [2017] EWCA Crim 741
- Acting for a Director in a derivative claim brought by an off-shore company in relation to allegations of diversion of opportunity, diversion of revenue, misrepresentation and accounting irregularities.
- R v Somaia (2016) – confiscation proceedings resulting in the obtaining of a £38m+ confiscation and compensation orders.
- Malicious Facebook post results in £15,000 damages – is a malicious Facebook post also a criminal offence?
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/malicious-facebook-post-results-in-15000-damages-is-a-malicious-facebook-post-also-a-criminal-offence/ - Edmonds Marshall McMahon secure landmark decision from the High Court to provide guidance on the recoverability of private prosecutors’ costs
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/edmonds-marshall-mcmahon-secure-landmark-decision-from-the-high-court-to-provide-guidance-on-the-recoverability-of-private-prosecutors-costs/ - Private Prosecution: the Duty of Candour when Applying for a Summons
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/private-prosecution-the-duty-of-candour-when-applying-for-a-summons/ - An Approach to Prosecuting Intellectual Property Crime: The Prosecutors
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/approach-prosecuting-intellectual-property-crime-prosecutors/ - R v Andrew John Camilleri (2018) – An IVA Proposal and War of Attrition
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/r-v-andrew-john-camilleri-2018-an-iva-proposal-and-war-of-attrition/ - Ketan Somaia v Regina (on a prosecution by Murli Mirchandani) [2017] EWCA Crim 741 – Confiscation Orders obtained by Private Prosecutors
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/ketan-somaia-v-regina-circhandani-confiscation-orders-obtained-private-prosecutors/ - Fraud: the most commonly experienced crime in England and Wales, but overlooked by government, law enforcement and industry
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/fraud-now-commonly-experienced-crime-england-wales-overlooked-government-law-enforcement-industry/ - Confiscation and compensation orders following private prosecutions (R v Somaia)
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/confiscation-compensation-orders-following-private-prosecutions-r-v-somaia/ - An Approach to Prosecuting Intellectual Property Crime: The Prosecutors
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/approach-prosecuting-intellectual-property-crime-prosecutors/ - R v Andrew John Camilleri (2018) – An IVA Proposal and War of Attrition
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/r-v-andrew-john-camilleri-2018-an-iva-proposal-and-war-of-attrition/ - Bringing private prosecutions for the sale of ‘grey goods’ R v M; [2017] UKSC 58
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/grey-goods-private-prosecution/ - The pursuit and recovery of criminal assets in the civil and criminal courts
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/pursuit-criminal-assets/ - The Coercive Confiscation Regime – Monumental Orders for Olympian Scale Fraudsters
https://www.emmlegal.com/news/coercive-confiscation-regime-monumental-orders-olympian-scale-fraudsters/
Ashley is a member of the:
- Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association;
- Young Fraud Lawyers Association; and
- London Young Lawyers Group.
