MinterEllisonRuddWatts is uniquely positioned to advise both corporate and individual clients on all aspects of criminal and regulatory law, as well as internal and external investigations. Our multi-disciplinary team includes internationally recognised experts with deep experience in:
- investigating, prosecuting, and defending white collar criminal and regulatory matters
- conducting internal investigations and managing external inquiries
- advising on legal and regulatory compliance
- managing integrity and reputational risks
- taking legal action to recover misappropriated assets
We are calm in a crisis and strategic in our approach. Whether you are responding to allegations of wrongdoing or proactively managing risk, we provide clear, practical advice tailored to your needs.
How we can help
Regulatory investigations
- Responding to ‘notices to produce’ from government agencies.
- Conducting legally privileged internal investigations.
- Representing clients in regulator interviews and enforcement discussions.
- Defending clients in civil and criminal proceedings brought by regulators.
- Managing health and safety obligations and investigations.
Internal investigations
- Employment-related investigations, including whistle-blower complaints.
- Privileged investigations into potential misconduct or regulatory breaches.
- Fraud investigations to identify root causes and recovery options.
Bribery and corruption
- Advising on Anti-Bribery & Corruption (AB&C) policies and training.
- Ensuring compliance with international AB&C laws (including the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act).
- Investigating suspected AB&C breaches across jurisdictions.
- Conducting AB&C due diligence in M&A transactions.
Anti-trust, competition law and consumer protection
- Advising on merger clearance and authorisation from the New Zealand Commerce Commission (NZCC).
- Representing clients in NZCC and international investigations.
- Developing compliance policies and training.
- Advising on criminal cartel prohibitions and enforcement.
Financial crime
- Investigating instances of suspected fraud, scams, and misappropriation.
- Advising on risk controls and internal processes.
- Freezing and recovering assets through litigation.
- Liaising with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Police, or pursuing private prosecutions.
- Advising third-party witnesses and organisations for prosecutions and civil cases (including discovery and disclosure obligations, and preparing witnesses for trial).
- Advising on Proceeds of Crime matters and name suppression.
Sanctions and international trade
- Advising on sanctions, export controls, and customs compliance (including tax, tariffs and the unauthorised release of goods).
- Liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT), New Zealand Customs, and other government agencies.
- Managing investigations into cross-border trade issues.
- Advising on supply chain ethics and Modern Slavery compliance.
Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT)
- Advising on AML/CFT obligations and compliance strategies.
- Conducting internal investigations into potential breaches.
- Representing clients in regulatory investigations and court proceedings.
