Jonathan Grimes

Jonathan has been a specialist criminal law adviser to individuals, companies, and other organisations for more than twenty years. His experience over that time has given him a broad and deep understanding of all areas relating to criminal law. His expertise is recognised by the market and reflected in the directories.

His practice comprises representation in all areas of white collar and business crime including health and safety and environmental crime, as well as a wide variety of other criminal law matters with a particular emphasis on cases with an international aspect. He is also one of a small number of solicitors with experience advising on war crimes investigations and related matters. 

He provides clear strategic advice from the earliest stages - often before any formal investigation is open. He is experienced in responding to enforcement action undertaken by a range of agencies and in conducting internal investigations. He regularly works alongside colleagues at Kingsley Napley specialising in other disciplines to ensure the provision of the best possible advice in relation to all aspects of a matter. This can include reputation management, employment and commercial advice.

White collar crime and business crime

Jonathan acts for individuals and organisations in a wide range of cases involving allegations of financial wrongdoing and other forms of misconduct.

He has extensive experience advising individuals and organisations at every stage of investigations. He has attended a large number of interviews of many different kinds. These have included voluntary and compulsory interviews of witnesses and interviews under caution of those suspected of criminal offences. He has defended prosecutions brought by SFO, FCA, HMRC, CMA, NCA and the police. He routinely co-counsels with lawyers from other jurisdictions in cross-border matters.

Jonathan is frequently appointed to act as Independent Legal Advisor (ILA) to individuals in the course of investigations by their employers or regulators. In particular he has acted for many bank and other financial services employees in relation to various investigations, including those involving Libor, Forex and CumEx.  

Jonathan regularly acts for organisations that come into contact with various criminal law issues. This can include advising on such things as the response to production orders or similar requests, dealing with employees accused of crime, or managing threats to the business arising from protest or other activity.

Jonathan conducts internal investigations on behalf of companies and other organisations. He understands the legal and practical challenges of such work and provides clear guidance on all aspects. He is particularly interested in the use of advances in technology in providing cost and other benefits. He recognises the importance of ensuring that investigations are well structured and focussed and that they report on time and within budget.

Proceeds of Crime (money laundering) and Sanctions advice

Jonathan has particular expertise in the area of proceeds of crime (money laundering). He regularly advises individuals and organisations on law enforcement applications that seek to freeze or seize assets, including Account Freezing Orders, Restraint Orders, and other applications made under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and has been involved in some of the highest value such cases.

He also advises on a range of related issues including the making of suspicious activity reports (SARs). Clients include legal and other regulated professional individuals and organisations. Recent advice has included consideration of investments in crypto assets. Jonathan also advises on the impact of sanctions designations in a range of different contexts. Jonathan is the Kingsley Napley’s Money Laundering Nominated Officer (MLNO).

Health and Safety and Corporate Manslaughter

Jonathan represents companies and individuals during the initial police and Health and Safety Executive investigation, through to the conclusion of cases at inquests or in the criminal courts. He has acted in cases investigated by the Environment Agency, Fire and Rescue Authorities, the Marine and Coastguard Agency, the Civil Aviation Authority and Air Accident Investigation Branch.

Cross border matters and international crime

Many of Jonathan’s cases have a cross border element. These include investigations conducted in multiple jurisdictions, the use of mutual legal assistance and other forms of international co-operation, as well as extradition and INTERPOL Notices. 

In addition Jonathan provides advice and representation in respect of war crimes and related allegations, including universal jurisdiction matters - allegations which can be investigated and prosecuted in the UK even if neither the alleged offence nor those involved have any connection with the UK. He is past Co-Chair and Advisory Board Member of the IBA War Crimes Committee.

Jonathan is ranked in both Chambers UK and Chambers High Net Worth UK and is listed in The Legal 500 as leading Partner. He is also ranked in Who's Who Legal Thought Leaders GIR and the Lexology Index Investigations Report 2025.

Jonathan joined Kingsley Napley in 2002 and became a partner in 2010.

REPRESENTATIVE CASES

White collar and business crime - Individuals

• Advising company director in relation to improper contracts
• Advising UHNW overseas family in high value POCA property freezing matter
• Advising director on duties in respect of property subject to sanctions and restraint
• Advising senior executive in cross-border investigation into anti-competitive behaviour
• Advising individuals on Russia related investments
• Advising former Post Office employee in relation to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry
• Advising post conviction on a confiscation order
• Representing bank employees in SFO compelled interviews
• Advising in-house lawyer in CMA matter
• Providing money laundering advice to investors in cryptocurrency
• Advising lawyer in relation to HMRC investigation
• Representation of individual in CumEx related investigation
• Advising CFO in relation to HMRC investigation
• Representing in-house accountant in FCA prosecution relating to financial irregularities in publicly listed company
• Representation of solicitor in money laundering investigation
• Representing employee of construction firm in CMA investigation
• Representing finance director in SFO investigation into government contracts
• Representation of individuals in NCA cash seizure and Account Freezing Order matters
• Representing former MD of oil company in relation to Brazilian corruption investigation
• Representation of foreign politician in NCA corruption investigation
• Representation of employee of company in compelled interview conducted by the SFO
• Representation of bank employee in overseas investigation into market manipulation
• Representation of bank employee in HMRC investigation of historic film scheme
• Representation of in-house lawyer in SFO corruption investigation
• Representation of bank employees in compelled interviews conducted by the SFO
• Representation of employee in SFO compelled interview (using POCA powers)
• Representation of judge in offences against public justice matter
• Representation of fund managers in compelled interviews conducted by the FCA
• Representation of multiple bank employees in FX investigation
• Representation of bank employee in Mutual Legal Assistance request from overseas jurisdiction
• Representation of employee of insurance company in investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

White collar and business crime – Organisations

• Conducting investigation for media organisation in relation to historic misconduct matters
• Advising Payment Service Provider on AML and sanctions related matters
• Advising a large family owned business on allegations of misfeasance
• Advising insolvency practice on its AML obligations
• Advising company on its response to direct action protests
• Advising law firm in relation to data breach allegations including conducting an internal investigation
• Advising law firm in its response to an Account Freezing Order
• Advising international charity and conducting internal investigation in relation to misconduct allegations including conducting an international investigation covering multiple jurisdictions
• Advising company wishing to deal with frozen asset
• Advising auction company in relation to AML and POCA matters
• Representation of newspaper in relation to criminal allegation including conducting an internal investigation
• Advising a company on its AML and other reporting obligations upon discovery of suspected employee wrongdoing
• Advising businesses and individuals on their reporting and other obligations under UK AML law

Health and Safety and other Regulators

• Advising waste recycling firm on investigation following an accident
• Advising individual in DEFRA investigation into breach of an Enforcement Notice
• Advising construction business in HSE investigation following a fall from height
• Advising a hotel in its response to an enforcement notice
• Representation of waste business on alleged permitting breaches
• Representation of prison officer in police investigation following prison death
• Representation of international construction vehicle manufacturing company following serious accident
• Representation of business owner in large Trading Standards prosecution (including successful challenge to the imposition of a restraint order)
• Representation of farmer in animal welfare case
• Representation of international engineering company following accident in which four people died
• Representation of numerous employees in various HSE investigations into fatal and non-fatal accidents
• Representing the “Responsible Person” (under fire regulations) following large fire in retail premises
• Representation of Chairman and FD of recycling company facing allegations of breaches of environmental law (includes financial restraint proceedings)
• Representing owner of a hotel in investigation into alleged breaches of fire safety regulations following a fire

International Criminal Law

• Representation of Colonel Kumar Lama, a Colonel in the Nepalese army on charges of torture, following his arrest in the UK
• Advising various individuals on risk of prosecution in UK for war crimes and related allegations
• Advising in relation to overseas homicide allegation

Other

• Representation of numerous individuals facing general criminal allegations including sexual offences and violence (including murder)
• Advising individual facing allegations of humanitarian people smuggling
• Advising a school in relation to allegations made against head master
• Representation of soldiers facing allegations arising from various historic fatal incidents

 

What Clients and directories say

Jonathan does a lot of international work."

Chambers and Partners, 2025

He is on top of all the details."

Chambers and Partners. 2025

He is a very seasoned and astute practitioner."

Chambers and Partners, 2025

He's well regarded."

Chambers and Partners, 2025

I think he's very cerebral."

Chambers and Partners, 2025

Jonathan Grimes and his team are very proactive. It is a pleasure to work with them."

The Legal 500, 2025

Jonathan Grimes is a very skillful solicitor who can navigate clients through particularly difficult waters."

The Legal 500, 2025

He is an impressive lawyer."

Chambers and Partners, 2025

Jonathan Grimes brought a good understanding of contractors and the specific issues that affect them and the way they operate. He combined this with a sound understanding of the relevant health and safety law."

Legal 500 UK, 2025

I recommend Jonathan Grimes - a shining example of a master of their profession, and totally client-focused."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2022

Jonathan Grimes continues to impress market commentators thanks to his mental stamina and enthusiasm to do a first class job."

Who's Who Legal, Business Crime Defence - Individuals and Corporates 2022

Jonathan Grimes is a first choice for financial crime matters, noted for his deep understanding of all stages of criminal and quasi-criminal proceedings."

Who's Who Legal, Investigations 2022

He's thoughtful, very versatile and a pleasure to work with."

Chambers and Partners, 2022 

Jonathan Grimes is cerebral and hardworking.”

Legal 500 UK 2022

Grimes is a brilliant lawyer - he has very good international expertise."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2021

I think his client manner is excellent, and he is extremely bright and able. He is completely dedicated to his clients. He provides the full package in terms of service."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2021

He looks at the bigger picture and is very analytical - He's really sharp and thoughtful."

Chambers UK 2021

Jonathan Grimes gives very thoughtful, clear advice and is equally at ease dealing with the directors of an international business as with individual employees. I was especially impressed by his ability to cut through complicated expert evidence to identify the key strengths and weaknesses. He is excellent with clients and has a touch of steel."

Legal 500 UK 2021

Jonathan Grimes is meticulous, emotionally intelligent, with exceptional client skills, and is a first-rate academic lawyer."

Legal 500 UK 2021

He's got a lot of knowledge in the POCA area. He's analytical and is a skilful, talented lawyer."

Chambers UK 2021

"He's one of the leading luminaries in fraud and POCA; he is able to get results without the pain of litigation."

Chambers UK 2021

He's very experienced. He's also a very confident and inspiring person - when things are difficult, he's calm and reassuring." "I was especially impressed by his ability to cut through complicated evidence to identify the key strengths and weaknesses of our position."

Chambers UK 2021

He has a good ability to think through legal issues in a broad and international way. He doesn't go for the most obvious and domestic point, he looks at the bigger picture and he is very analytical."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2020

He has knowledge not just of UK domestic law but also treaties and conventions abroad which makes him unique in his solutions."

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2020

He is an all round adviser with second to none technical knowledge, but also a very gracious and caring human being who provides practical advice to his clients."

Chambers UK 2020 – A Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession

Jonathan Grimes careful and passionate attention to his clients has made him, slowly but surely, one of the most admired operators in the field. His particular interest in international crime has inspired a huge growth in this area of work within the firm. This requires an usually keen legal mind and a great deal of patience: he has both, and in large measure."

Legal 500 UK 2020

Jonathan Grimes is utterly exceptional."

Legal 500 UK 2020

He's very pragmatic and down to earth, but he also has a good grasp of the technical issues that you need to have when dealing with the criminal side of health and safety."

Chambers UK 2020 – A Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession

Is tenacious while at the same time being pragmatic and highly knowledgeable."

Legal 500 UK 2020

A very cerebral mind, he continues to impress market sources with his exceptional work on high-profile white-collar investigations."

Who's Who Legal: Investigations, 2020

 

Professional societies, memberships and Directories

• The Law Society
• London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association (LCCSA)
• Health & Safety Lawyer's Association 
• International Bar Association
• Chambers and Partners HNW: Financial Crime: Individuals – Band 2
• Chambers and Partners:
  • Health & Safety - Band 4 
  • POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture – Band 1 

• Legal 500 2023 UK

  • Fraud: White Collar Crime (Advice to Individuals) - Leading Individual
  • Health and Safety 
  • Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Cime (Advice to Corporates) 
• Who's Who's Legal 
  • Business Crime Defence - Corporates 2023 - Thought Leader global Elite 
  • Investigations 2024 - Recommended 
  • Who's Who Legal Thought Leaders GIR
• Leaders League - Compliance Individuals  2024
  • Rank: Leading 

 

Publications, PRess Highlights & Speaking Engagements

• Quoted in Why the ‘McMafia’ law failed to root out kleptocrats’ ill-gotten gains- City A.M. , 11 April 2024
• Quoted in Law 360, GIR and Circular online about UK Environment Agency's latest initiative – the Economic Crime Unit
• Damning Indictments - Law Society Gazette, February 2023
• Increase in suspicious activity reports - Solicitors Journal, January 2023
• Record number of suspicious activity reports filed in the UK - GIR, January 2023
• Major rise in SARs volume and suspect funds locked – UK FIU report, Money Laundering Bulletin, January 2023
• Chaired the Kingsley Napley Cross Border Criminal Law Conference, May 2022
• Vue Cinema Chain fined following death of cinema-goer, August 2021
• Record fine of £90 million for Southern Water, July 2021
• Buying property with crypto assets: Can it ever be justified? June 2021
• Arrests of care home workers following COVID-19 outbreaks: a review of criminal liability, April 2021
• Thames Water fined for “entirely foreseeable” pollution, March 2021
• Sentencing environmental offences: Reflections on the Thames Water £2.3m fine, March 2021
• National Grid fined £4 million for incomplete records - February 2021
• Kingsley Napley's third International Criminal Law Conference taking place on 28 January 2020: Justice and Rights, January 2020
• Writes for Financial Director - Enhanced threat of director disqualification for breaches of competition law, January 2020
• Why the International Criminal Court should be supported, The Times, 19 July 2018
• Quoted in Accountancy Online, 14 July 2017, Doing time: How judges decide criminal sentences in tax fraud cases
• Quoted in The Brief, 26 June 2017, Law firms await advice over beefed up money laundering rules
• Essentials: Criminal Finances Act 2017 and corporate offence for tax evasion, Accountancy magazine, June 2017
• 'Unexplained wealth orders', Tax Journal, 26 May 2017
• 'Autoclave specialist convicted of corporate manslaughter', H&S Matters, 10 Nov, 2014
• 'Remove juries from fraud trials? Bad idea', The Law Society Gazette, 5 August 2014
• 'Importance of Trial by Jury', The Huffington Post UK, 18 March 2014
• Tomorrow's Health & Safety Magazine - the risks of further cost cutting
• Health & Safety Matters - The Corporate Manslaughter Act: why only 2 prosecutions after 4 years? (1 May 2012)

Further information

• Listed in Leaders League 2024 in Compliance - Individuals as Leading
• Listed in Who's Who Legal Investigation Guide 2023 as Recommended Leaders in Their Field
• Listed in Who's Who Legal: Thought Leader - GIR - Investigations 2022
• Listen in Who's Who Legal: Thought Leader - GIR - Business Crime Defence for both Individuals and Corporates 2022
• Listed in Who's Who Legal: Recommended for Investigations 2022
• Listed in Who's Who Legal: Recommended for Business Crime Defence for both Individuals and Corporates 2021
• Listed in Leader League as Incontournable for Compliance and Fraude – Individus