Jack Murphy

Jack is a Partner in JMW’s Top Tier Criminal and Fraud Firm, as ranked by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, and he is regularly instructed in high profile and large-scale prosecutions, including those brought by the NCA, SFO and HMRC. His focus being primarily on the defence of Fraud, in both Civil and Criminal Courts, and regulatory enforcement in all its forms.

Prior to joining JMW, Jack was a Detective Inspector within a major police force and a HMRC Fraud Investigation officer, responsible for leading all forms of serious and organised crime investigations. This unique background gives Jack a deep yet practical understanding of how investigations are built — and crucially how they can be dismantled.

Fraud and Financial Crime

Jack has a strong track record in defending individuals and businesses against criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on fraud, tax evasion, and white-collar crime such as money laundering allegations. Alongside these substantive proceedings, Jack is well versed in the ancillary proceedings that often run simultaneously alongside the criminal prosecution, including:-

• The defence of civil asset recovery under Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 – advancing defences against freezing orders, cash seizures, and civil recovery actions brought in the High Court;
• The discharge and/or variation of forfeiture and restraint under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002; and
• Applications seeking the return of property held by authorities during or after an investigation under the Police (Property) Act 1897.

Regulatory Defence

Given his experience and unique background, Jack regularly advises regulated professionals on proceedings brought by their professional regulation body and the parallel criminal prosecution/investigation(s) which often run alongside them. His experience includes defence of proceedings brought by: -

1. Prudential Regulation Authority (‘PRA’)
2. Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’);
3. Care Quality Commission (‘CQC’);
4. Solicitors Regulation Authority (‘SRA’)
5. Health and Safety Executive (‘HSE’); and
6. Environment Agency.

Serious Criminal Offences

Jack and his team also deal with proceedings brought for the most serious criminal offences by NCA, ROCUs, HMRC and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and have had success in the defence of:-

• Conspiracy to produce and supply Class A/B/C Drugs;
• Firearms and Offensive Weapons; and
• Bribery and Corruption.

Police Law

Jack advises Police Officers involved in cases relating to deaths in custody, pursuits resulting in a serious injury or fatality, use of non-lethal weapons, police dogs and police shootings, including Post-Incident Procedures. He represents Police Officers who are investigated under the Police (Conduct) Regulations, Police (Performance) Regulations by their force or the IOPC. Jack carries this work out for both Federated Officers and the Chief Police Officers’ Staff Association (‘CPOSA’) members.

Corporate Internal Investigations

Jack continues to put his investigative background to use by providing assistance to global companies who are currently or who are potentially under investigation by an enforcement agency. Providing them with internal investigation reports so as to help protect individuals and their businesses by being ahead of the curve and assessing all risks which may occur further down the line. Further information on this can be found here - Corporate Compliance, Investigations & Prosecutions - JMW Solicitors

• "I had the pleasure of working with Jack Murphy and Elisha Kaur, and I was thoroughly impressed by their service. Their communication was consistently clear, timely, and professional, which made the entire process feel well-managed and reassuring. They both demonstrated a strong command of the law and were quick to identify the key issues at hand. What stood out most was their initiative and strategic thinking – they were always one step ahead, ensuring no detail was overlooked. Jack and Elisha are an excellent legal team, and I would not hesitate to recommend them."
• "Two of my personal watches, which were held on consignment, were seized because they were in the possession of a dealer arrested for suspected money laundering. When I tried to recover the watches myself, I was unsuccessful, likely due to legal and bureaucratic hurdles. After instructing Jack Murphy, he quickly navigated the legal system, provided proof of ownership, and ensured compliance with authorities. Within two weeks, my watches were returned. His expertise and efficiency led to a successful outcome, and I was highly satisfied with his service. This highlights the importance of legal representation in asset recovery cases.
• "I can't thank JMW Solicitors enough, especially Jack Murphy. For approximately 18 months, Jack and his team have assisted me with a complex matter and, throughout this time, have provided me with outstanding legal expertise. In addition, each time conversing with Jack, he was extremely personable and approachable, and speaking with him put me at ease on each occasion. I couldn't have asked for a better result, and I would recommend anyone to use JMW Solicitors."
• "I had an excellent experience with JML, from Jack Murphy and Jack Pittam, who have represented me twice now, the most recent being 17/06/2026. They are very knowledgeable and always seem to go the extra mile in order to assist/represent you. If I ever found myself needing representation again, I would not look elsewhere. I am very happy with their assistance."

Fraud Proceedings

Civil Fraud Defence

1. DPP v Others – acting for the lead Respondent in Part 5 POCA proceedings brought in the High Court, with asset value placed
2. Defending Civil Fraud allegations made against the Head of Ticketing of a world-renowned sports venue and the accompanying criminal allegations, which resulted in no charges being brought.
3. Acting for a professional gambler subject to an Account Freezing Order and securing the return of the entire frozen “winnings”

Criminal Fraud Defence

1. R v BK – representing a director of a business accused of conspiracy to cheat the public revenue to the value of £21million, through an alleged involvement in a construction industry fraud.
2. R v MG – representing a director charged with conspiracy to commit by fraud by false representation to the value of £8 million.
3. R v TW – acting for a company and its director in a complex criminal Trademark case regarding the issue of authenticity of watches in light of the “grey market”.

Regulatory Law

1. PRA v other - acting for an SMF-regulated individual subject to an investigation undertaken by the PRA.
2. R v Company – a local Council prosecution of a Company and its Director for extensive breaches of the Food Safety & Hygiene (England) Regulations.
3. Successfully challenging Penalties applied by HMRC as part of a Compliance Check into SDLT relief claimed on behalf of a London Property Developer.
4. Advising on the impact of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2023 and its impact on a variety of crypto businesses.

Serious Crime Offences

1. R v DL – ongoing multi-kilo drugs supply investigation based in the Northwest of England. This conspiracy included various elements of Encrochat and multi-defendant co-locations based on cell-site.
2. R v JU – ongoing Money laundering proceedings linked to an Organised Crime Group involved in the sale of Class A drugs.
3. R v PS – a complex investigation involving allegations of police corruption, including Misconduct in a Public Office and Perverting the Course of Justice.

Police Law

1. Advising and representing a Senior Officer on criminal allegations arising from the National Undercover Policing Inquiry
2. Securing at the pre-charge stage, no further action for a former Chief Officer accused of Misconduct in a public office and Perverting the Course of Justice during their service.
3. Exonerating a serving officer after the serious criminal allegations of burglary and stalking by first securing a “no further action” and thereafter successfully defending their position in the resulting Gross Misconduct hearing, which resulted in no action whatsoever for the officer concerned.

Corporate Internal Investigations

1. Advising a high net worth individual and their companies in relation to corporate criminal liability and economic crime, by conducting an internal investigation with the assistance of digital forensic and accounting experts.
2. Undertaking an enhanced money laundering due diligence exercise on behalf of a group of companies and providing recommendations.

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Jack is a keen sportsman who is often seen on the icy slopes and is also known to frequent the Padel court most weeks. Jack is also a subdued Liverpool Football Club fan in the Manchester office, alongside his main hobby of parenting two young children.