John Veale

John Veale is a Partner and Head of the Regulatory Team at KANGS. Chambers UK has called John a “wise practitioner” and ranked him as one the leading solicitors in the country for his work in financial crime and complex fraud.

A vastly experienced litigation solicitor, John joined the firm in 2001 and has led the Regulatory Team since 2017. He has earned a reputation for combining strategic judgement with clear guidance and firm, effective representation for clients navigating complex legal matters.

His key areas of expertise span a comprehensive range of criminal and civil litigation including:

• Investigations and Prosecutions brought by Regulatory Bodies including:
  • HMRC,
  • the Insolvency Service,
  • the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and Fire Safety,
  • the Food Standards Agency (FSA),
  • the Environment Agency,
  • Trading Standards,
  • the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO),
  • the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

• Regulatory Proceedings involving the Traffic Commissioner acting on behalf of Operators, Transport Managers & Drivers,

• Professional Discipline investigations and proceedings for professions such as those in medical, legal, accountancy and sports.

John is a really experienced solicitor and a safe pair of hands - he invariably secures the trust of clients and knows what he is doing.

Chambers UK

Trusted Advisor in Financial Crime, Tax Litigation and Complex Fraud

Clients turn to John for his depth of experience in financial crime and complex fraud. His work has earned national recognition, with Chambers UK ranking him among the top solicitors in the country. He is also recommended by The Legal 500 for his expertise in high‑value and complex white‑collar crime investigations.

Areas of specialisms:

• Criminal and Civil HMRC Tax Investigations,

• HMRC disputes, VAT Assessments & Code of Practice 9 (COP9) investigations,

• Proceedings in the First-tier Tax Tribunal and Upper Tribunal,

• White Collar Fraud, Money Laundering and Complex Financial Investigations and Prosecutions (including those involving cross-border issues),

• Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) – Confiscation Proceedings, Restraint Orders, Cash Seizure and Account Freezing Orders,

• Cryptocurrency Disputes with Enforcement Agencies (HMRC, FCA, SFO),

• Insolvency Litigation including Investigations by the Insolvency Service and Director Disqualification Proceedings.

John Veale is an exceptional criminal lawyer who can analyse complex criminal cases and prepare winning solutions for clients. Vastly experienced in high-value white collar crime and HMRC tax investigations, clients appreciate his thoughtful guidance in navigating challenging situations effectively. A very calm operator who is totally unflappable even in the most high-stakes criminal investigations.

Legal 500

He is an astute measured solicitor with superb knowledge of the restraint regime and is skilled in dealing with high-pressure situations while achieving great results for his clients.

Chambers UK

Working with both individuals and corporate clients on complex, high-stakes matters. John is particularly experienced in handling high‑profile cases requiring a multi‑disciplinary approach, applying his wide‑ranging expertise in civil and criminal law to achieve carefully considered solutions and strategic outcomes.

John is widely recognised for developing strong client relationships founded on trust and openness. Clients often comment on John’s calm and measured approach in high-pressure situations. His assured and composed authority is underpinned by extensive litigation expertise, and an unwavering commitment to protecting his clients’ interests.

I found John to be absolutely outstanding with the way he dealt with my case. He was very professional with all the details and going through the information. But he also added a personal touch that gave me a calming effect in the case.

NB - Client