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  • Buxton Ryan & Co

High-Level Criminal & Financial Defence

Specialists in Complex Crime, Fraud & Proceeds of Crime Act Cases

Based in Hertfordshire and London, Buxton Ryan & Co is a specialist criminal defence firm acting for private and publicly funded clients. We deliver precise, strategic advocacy across serious and complex litigation.

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+123 456 7890
  • Buxton Ryan & Co

Specialists in Complex Crime, Fraud & Proceeds of Crime Act Cases

Based in Hertfordshire and London, Buxton Ryan & Co is a specialist criminal defence firm acting for private and publicly funded clients. We deliver precise, strategic advocacy across serious and complex litigation.

01279 723 434
Years of Experience
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  • About

A Specialist Criminal Defence Practice

Buxton Ryan & Co is a dedicated criminal defence firm representing clients in serious and complex matters across Hertfordshire and London.

Our practice covers the full spectrum of criminal law, with particular expertise in large-scale fraud, proceeds of crime and high-value financial investigations. We act for both private and publicly funded clients, delivering precise, strategic representation at every stage of proceedings.

With decades of advocacy experience, the firm is recognised for handling technically demanding cases requiring discretion, clarity and meticulous preparation.

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  • Areas of Practice

Areas of Practice

Serious & General Crime

Representation across the full spectrum of criminal offences, from initial investigation through to Crown Court trial.

Fraud & Financial Crime

Defence in complex fraud, tax evasion and financial investigations involving high-value and multi-jurisdictional matters.

Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA)

Specialist advocacy in confiscation proceedings, asset tracing and Section 22 applications under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Regulatory & Appeals

Advising and representing clients in regulatory prosecutions, environmental matters and appeals before higher courts.

We regularly instruct King’s Counsel (KC) on complex and serious privately funded cases. Our firm has long established working relationships with leading silks across a range of specialist areas, ensuring our clients receive the highest level of representation.

Current cases in which King’s Counsel are instructed are:

  • Operation Barbados (VAT fraud) – Southwark Crown Court
  • Operation Venetic (Encrochat) – Southwark Crown Court
  • Sexual offences – Southwark Crown Court
  • Historic sexual offences – Chelmsford Crown Court
  • Sexual offences – Chelmsford Crown Court
  • Dangerous Dogs Act Prosecution – Chelmsford Crown Court

We are experienced in identifying the right King’s Counsel for each case to deliver the best possible outcome for our clients.

Need Urgent Legal Advice?

Buxton Ryan & Co provides specialist defence in serious criminal and financial cases. We offer clear, strategic advice at every stage, with every enquiry handled in complete confidence.

Consult Now
  • King’s Counsel Matters

King’s Counsel Instructions (2025-2026)

We regularly instruct King’s Counsel (KC) on complex and serious privately funded cases. Our firm has long established working relationships with leading silks across a range of specialist areas, ensuring our clients receive the highest level of representation.

Current cases in which King’s Counsel are instructed are:

  • Operation Barbados (VAT fraud) – Southwark Crown Court
  • Operation Venetic (Encrochat) – Southwark Crown Court
  • Sexual offences – Southwark Crown Court
  • Historic sexual offences – Chelmsford Crown Court
  • Sexual offences – Chelmsford Crown Court
  • Dangerous Dogs Act Prosecution – Chelmsford Crown Court

We are experienced in identifying the right King’s Counsel for each case to deliver the best possible outcome for our clients.

  • Active Complex Cases

Current Instructions (2025–2026)

Environment Agency Defence

Specialist defence in environmental prosecutions and complex regulatory investigations.

Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)

An appeal against a Section 22 POCA Order (Ipswich Crown Court).

Operation Barbados (Southwark Crown Court)

Defence of a lead architect in a £20m systematic VAT fraud prosecution.

Operation Eider (Southwark Crown Court)

Defence of an OCG-led £21m tax evasion conspiracy

Operation Venetic (Basildon Crown Court)

Litigation involving the intersection of encrypted communications and financial tracing.

Multi-Million Pound POCA (Canterbury Crown Court, Chelmsford Crown Court & Lincoln Crown Court)

High-value confiscation proceedings requiring forensic financial analysis and international asset tracing.

Trading Standards POCA (Salisbury Crown Court)

Complex confiscation proceedings following a fraudulent trading prosecution.

HMRC POCA (Southwark Crown Court)

High-stakes POCA proceedings following high-value tax litigation.

Operation Venetic (Southwark Crown Court)

High-level EncroChat litigation involving complex issues around the admissibility and integrity of encrypted communications data.

Need Urgent Legal Advice?

Buxton Ryan & Co provides specialist defence in serious criminal and financial cases. We offer clear, strategic advice at every stage, with every enquiry handled in complete confidence.

Consult Now
  • MEET THE TEAM

Meet The Team

Jim O’Keeffe

Partner

Jim is well known figure in legal life. A former barrister who transferred to the Roll of Solicitors over 30 years ago. Jim sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court.

Harry Mangan

Criminal Law Executive.

Harry has over 50 years of experience in criminal defence work. Harry previously worked for many years with the legendary East End solicitor Frank Campion. Harry’s extensive experience is unrivalled.

Tom Ryan

Trainee Solicitor

 

 

 

 

Nancy Low

Practice manager

Nancy is our practice manager and responsible for the administration of the firm.

 

 

Gary Ryan

Solicitor Advocate

Founding partner of Buxton Ryan & Co with over 30 years’ experience in criminal advocacy, holding Higher Rights in the Crown Court for over 20 years.

  • MEET THE TEAM

Experienced Legal Professionals

Jim O’Keeffe

Partner & Recorder.

A former Barrister who transferred to the Roll of Solicitors. Jim currently sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court.

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Harry Mangan

Managing Clerk.

A former Barrister who transferred to the Roll of Solicitors. Jim currently sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court.

Facebook-f X-twitter Instagram

Tom Ryan

Trainee Solicitor

A former Barrister who transferred to the Roll of Solicitors. Jim currently sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court.

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  • Notable Case Archive

Notable Cases

R v Argent (2 Cr App R 27)

East End murder trial (1995) involving a three-day police interrogation. Established precedent on the right to silence following evidence given at the Old Bailey.

R v Argent (2 Cr App R 27)

East End murder trial (1995) involving a three-day police interrogation. Established precedent on the right to silence following evidence given at the Old Bailey.

First UK LIDAR Challenge

First UK case challenging LIDAR technology, setting precedent in the scrutiny of emerging surveillance evidence.

First UK LIDAR Challenge

First UK case challenging LIDAR technology, setting precedent in the scrutiny of emerging surveillance evidence.

CJA 1988 – Confiscation Proceedings

Ten-year international investigation across UAE, BVI, USA and Ireland. Reduced prosecution benefit claim from £10.5 million to £225,000.

CJA 1988 – Confiscation Proceedings

Ten-year international investigation across UAE, BVI, USA and Ireland. Reduced prosecution benefit claim from £10.5 million to £225,000.

International Sports Law

Advisory work for a Middle Eastern Royal Family and representation of Premier League footballers, including Danny Simpson (2015/16 season).

CJA 1988 – Confiscation Proceedings

Ten-year international investigation across UAE, BVI, USA and Ireland. Reduced prosecution benefit claim from £10.5 million to £225,000.
View All Case
  • Notable Case Archive

Landmark Legal Work

R v Argent (2 Cr App R 27)

East End murder trial (1995) involving a three-day police interrogation. Established precedent on the right to silence following evidence given at the Old Bailey.

R v Argent (2 Cr App R 27)

East End murder trial (1995) involving a three-day police interrogation. Established precedent on the right to silence following evidence given at the Old Bailey.

First UK LIDAR Challenge

First UK case challenging LIDAR technology, setting precedent in the scrutiny of emerging surveillance evidence.

First UK LIDAR Challenge

First UK case challenging LIDAR technology, setting precedent in the scrutiny of emerging surveillance evidence.

CJA 1988 – Confiscation Proceedings

Ten-year international investigation across UAE, BVI, USA and Ireland. Reduced prosecution benefit claim from £10.5 million to £225,000.

CJA 1988 – Confiscation Proceedings

Ten-year international investigation across UAE, BVI, USA and Ireland. Reduced prosecution benefit claim from £10.5 million to £225,000.

Shane MacGowan Representation

Legal representative and confidante from the early 1990s through to the 2001 Dublin reunion tour.

CJA 1988 – Confiscation Proceedings

Ten-year international investigation across UAE, BVI, USA and Ireland. Reduced prosecution benefit claim from £10.5 million to £225,000.

International Sports Law

Advisory work for a Middle Eastern Royal Family and representation of Premier League footballers, including Danny Simpson (2015/16 season).

CJA 1988 – Confiscation Proceedings

Ten-year international investigation across UAE, BVI, USA and Ireland. Reduced prosecution benefit claim from £10.5 million to £225,000.
View All Case
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