Leon Kazakos KC

Practice Areas

Leon is instructed by individuals and companies in the fields of business and general crime, regulatory proceedings, insolvency litigation, tax appeals and professional disciplinary work. He provides advice and advocacy in substantial, sensitive and complex cases usually from a pre-charge stage; representing those who are under investigation or being prosecuted for serious wrongdoing.

In business crime he defends across the spectrum of misconduct; from allegations of high value fraud, bribery, corruption and misconduct in public office to cheating the public revenue, money laundering, breaches of FSMA, and other related financial wrongdoing.

His general criminal practice encompasses homicide, human trafficking/ slavery, serious drugs and firearms offences, and serious sexual offending. His regulatory work spans firearms licensing, breaches of planning notices, wildlife offences (CITES regulations) and some health and safety work. He represents police officers in criminal and disciplinary cases.

His recent instructions include the largest ever prosecutions brought for slavery and for steroid importation, SFO and police bribery investigations, defending against BEIS in £multi-million Directors Disqualification proceedings, an international banking fraud, tax fraud in the hospitality, metals, telecoms and motor industry sectors, advice and representation in the Tax Tribunals in CIS Scheme, Margin Scheme VAT and DOTAS tax cases, political corruption, investment frauds, forgery, coercive control and related sexual offending cases, rape and murder.

Career

Leader South Eastern Circuit 2023 -2025

King's Counsel 2020

Vice Chair Kalisher Trust

Professional Memberships

Advocacy Trainer (Lincoln’s Inn)

South Eastern Circuit

Criminal Bar Association

Fraud Lawyers Association

Financial Services Lawyers Association

Revenue Bar Association

Private Prosecution Association

ARDL