Faisal Osman
Call
Call
2002
DIFC
DIFC
2010
BVI
BVI
2020
ADGM
ADGM
2020
QICDRC
QICDRC
2023
Expertise
Commercial Litigation
Civil Fraud, Asset Recovery & Enforcement
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
Caribbean and the Americas
Corporate Crime
Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets
Criminal Fraud
Tax Litigation & Investigations
Banking & Financial Regulation
Regulatory & Disciplinary
Faisal advises and acts in civil and criminal commercial wrongdoing disputes with an offshore dimension. His practice centres on domestic and international asset recovery on behalf of governments and commercial organisations, and the worldwide enforcement of judgments and arbitral awards. The distinguishing feature of his work is in the cross-over between crime, commercial litigation, and civil recovery, both domestic and international. He is instructed by sovereign states, financial institutions, listed corporates, trustees, charities, and private clients, with parallel proceedings regularly run before the DIFC, ADGM, QICDRC, BVI and Cayman Islands courts alongside the English courts, and supporting counsel in Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Lebanon, the wider GCC, and the United States. Faisal has given expert evidence on English law in courts in the United States and Spain.
His commercial work spans commercial litigation, extensively in the DIFC and increasingly in the QICDRC and ADGM, civil fraud, breach of trust and proprietary claims, contractual and shareholder disputes, banking and financial regulation, sanctions, and professional discipline. He has a cryptocurrency and digital assets practice, including representative actions following the collapse of DeFi protocols and civil recovery work against fraudulent crypto operators in the Caribbean. He appears regularly in cross-border freezing, attachment and proprietary injunction work, including injunctive relief in aid of foreign proceedings, and acts before the FCA in market abuse, insider dealing, and FSMA enforcement matters. His disciplinary work includes prosecuting before the Taxation Disciplinary Board and defending before the ICAEW and ACCA tribunals.
On the criminal side, Faisal is instructed in serious corporate crime, including overseas corruption and bribery investigations and prosecutions, the supply of military and dual-use equipment, and advisory work on criminal liability, directors' liability, and compliance arising out of cross-border corporate activity. He defends and prosecutes in large-scale fraud cases, including conspiracies to defraud involving offshore contra-trading, insider fraud at financial institutions, and the collapse of investment vehicles, and is regularly instructed in tax cases at the most complex end of HMRC's caseload, including First-tier Tribunal and judicial review work. He acts in matters brought by the SFO, the NCA and HMRC, and in the parallel POCA work that runs alongside them: Unexplained Wealth Orders, restraint and confiscation, civil recovery, account freezing and forfeiture, and Part 5 POCA proceedings.
Faisal also provides technical assistance on capacity building in anti-corruption, asset recovery, and money laundering across the Commonwealth, including training and conference work in the Caribbean and the Gulf.
He is the only junior ranked in criminal fraud, civil fraud, and POCA and asset recovery across the professional directories, and is also ranked in financial crime and business and regulatory crime, including global investigations. He was named Corporate Crime Junior of the Year by Legal 500 in 2023.
Other Language(s)
Urdu - Fluent
Portuguese - Conversational
Italian - Conversational
Other Language(s)
Urdu - Fluent
Portuguese - Conversational
Italian - Conversational
He is exceptional, talented, versatile, and can move between financial crime and civil litigation as well as domestic and international (Chambers UK)
An extremely intelligent and organised junior (Legal 500)
Faisal is excellent. His written work is very clear, he is very measured and he has very good legal analysis (Legal 500)
Faisal has exceptional knowledge of the DIFC (Chambers UK)
Faisal has a real understanding of solicitor firms and is very willing to get involved. Knowledgeable and calm, he has a real winning manner when acting as an advocate (Chambers UK)
An excellent barrister whose knowledge of complementary civil proceedings and a number of key international jurisdictions sets him apart from many other juniors (Chambers UK)
Exceptionally bright. Organised, well prepared, and very good at written work and pleadings, he is approachable and places the client at ease (Chambers UK)
His grasp of detail is something to behold, but he wears it lightly (Legal 500)
Immensely hardworking, but you wouldn’t think it from how effortless he makes it look (Legal 500)
A fantastic junior who is highly approachable and very good at technical law (Chambers UK)
Highly intelligent and someone with a prodigious appetite for work who is a real rising star in both the civil and criminal fields (Chambers UK)
He works so hard, is bright and is very good with the client. He is also proactive rather than reactive (Chambers UK)
He has one of the greatest minds for finanace and can pick things apart just by looking at numbers (Chambers UK)
A charming, fiercely bright and sought-after junior (Chambers UK)
Faisal's relaxed, approachable manner belies his meticulous attention to detail and careful preparation (Chambers UK)
He is exceptional, talented, versatile, and can move between financial crime and civil litigation as well as domestic and international (Chambers UK)
An extremely intelligent and organised junior (Legal 500)
Faisal is excellent. His written work is very clear, he is very measured and he has very good legal analysis (Legal 500)
Faisal has exceptional knowledge of the DIFC (Chambers UK)
Faisal has a real understanding of solicitor firms and is very willing to get involved. Knowledgeable and calm, he has a real winning manner when acting as an advocate (Chambers UK)
An excellent barrister whose knowledge of complementary civil proceedings and a number of key international jurisdictions sets him apart from many other juniors (Chambers UK)
Exceptionally bright. Organised, well prepared, and very good at written work and pleadings, he is approachable and places the client at ease (Chambers UK)
His grasp of detail is something to behold, but he wears it lightly (Legal 500)
Immensely hardworking, but you wouldn’t think it from how effortless he makes it look (Legal 500)
A fantastic junior who is highly approachable and very good at technical law (Chambers UK)
Highly intelligent and someone with a prodigious appetite for work who is a real rising star in both the civil and criminal fields (Chambers UK)
He works so hard, is bright and is very good with the client. He is also proactive rather than reactive (Chambers UK)
He has one of the greatest minds for finanace and can pick things apart just by looking at numbers (Chambers UK)
A charming, fiercely bright and sought-after junior (Chambers UK)
Faisal's relaxed, approachable manner belies his meticulous attention to detail and careful preparation (Chambers UK)
He is exceptional, talented, versatile, and can move between financial crime and civil litigation as well as domestic and international (Chambers UK)
An extremely intelligent and organised junior (Legal 500)
Faisal is excellent. His written work is very clear, he is very measured and he has very good legal analysis (Legal 500)
Faisal has exceptional knowledge of the DIFC (Chambers UK)
Faisal has a real understanding of solicitor firms and is very willing to get involved. Knowledgeable and calm, he has a real winning manner when acting as an advocate (Chambers UK)
An excellent barrister whose knowledge of complementary civil proceedings and a number of key international jurisdictions sets him apart from many other juniors (Chambers UK)
Exceptionally bright. Organised, well prepared, and very good at written work and pleadings, he is approachable and places the client at ease (Chambers UK)
His grasp of detail is something to behold, but he wears it lightly (Legal 500)
Immensely hardworking, but you wouldn’t think it from how effortless he makes it look (Legal 500)
A fantastic junior who is highly approachable and very good at technical law (Chambers UK)
Highly intelligent and someone with a prodigious appetite for work who is a real rising star in both the civil and criminal fields (Chambers UK)
He works so hard, is bright and is very good with the client. He is also proactive rather than reactive (Chambers UK)
He has one of the greatest minds for finanace and can pick things apart just by looking at numbers (Chambers UK)
A charming, fiercely bright and sought-after junior (Chambers UK)
Faisal's relaxed, approachable manner belies his meticulous attention to detail and careful preparation (Chambers UK)
Faisal Osman : Experience & Expertise
View Cases
View Quotes
Abudantia BV v Fastron Limited and Rillius
A Turkish online gaming company claim for breach of contract and conspiracy against global competitor Fastron Limited and Rillius.
A and Ors. v ML, WH (a Company) and Ors.
Claim (proprietary) relating to Middle Eastern investment fraud.
Re a Company v NA
Company (In Receivership) v NA Receivers’ claims for monies paid away to Dubai, following litigation to recover in Dubai.
Court of Auditors, Italy v Global Starnet UK
Enforcement of judgment by the Italian Court Di Conti, which found that Global Starnet, a middleware technology firm, had defrauded the Italian exchequer by over €350m. Global Starnet Ltd had been restrained by a international request by the Italians.
DG v 17 GSL (and Others)
Section 994 CA 2006 unfair prejudice claim on behalf of an aggrieved shareholder.
BIS v JGS
Trial of an un-discharged bankrupt for material omissions made to trustee in bankruptcy; subject to a £100m world-wide civil freezing order.
A Federal Republic v (a Bank)
$875m breach of trust claim against an international bank concerning the handling of a corrupt oil block deal.
2M Makina Mümessillik ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi v Titan 2 Ic İçtaş İnşaat Anonim Şirketi
Commercial Claim by Turkish Contractor in English Law relating to unpaid invoices in the supply of equipment for a nuclear power station.
A v F and L
Contractual dispute arising out of a joint venture between a Ukrainian sports gaming provider and a Turkish speaking regions counter-party
UEL v BS
Proprietary claim for misappropriated by a company finance director.
AAA v BBB & Others
Successfully appeared for the first defendant in a multi-defendant cross-border freezing order application. The judgment provides important clarification on the strict application of procedural rules in arbitration-related applications and reinforces the absolute duty of candour on without notice applications. It confirms that tactical litigation considerations cannot override mandatory service requirements. Instructed by Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan UK LLP
Receivers of a Cayman Islands Segregated Portfolio Company on Behalf of ALFF v RH (and 11 others)
Unlawful means conspiracy, breach of contract and duty, and dishonest assistance.
"If you instruct him as a junior you get silk standard advice."
"He is academically very good, and a hard-working junior, who isn't afraid to take every point in a legal argument."
"...Faisal is impressively smart and incredibly responsive, but his greatest asset is possibly his quick wit, which is always welcome and utterly invaluable during long and hard-fought cases..."
Legal 500
"Faisal has great commercial and legal judgement, getting fantastic results."
"…Affable, polite, always reachable and deeply knowledgeable in his field.."
"A fantastic barrister, who has cemented his position at the top of the junior commercial crime Bar."
"Immensely hardworking, but you wouldnt think it from how effortless he makes it look."
View Cases
View Quotes
(A Charity) v PP
Fraud, conversion, personal and proprietary claims following the taking of charitable funds by a corrupt employee.
IE (Europe) v NE
Fraud and conversion of company monies transferred away to the USA.
TP and Others v J and Others
Claim by trust beneficiaries alleging unlawful means conspiracy and dishonest assistance against a lawyer employed a firm owned by a convicted fraudster.
C and Ors. v P
Claim for significant account and monetary claim arising out of an English Regulated Solicitor’s alleged breach of trust and breach of fiduciary duty. The monetary value of the case exceeds £10m.
FCA v JD
FCA civil and criminal investigation into fraud and money laundering, valued at £81.4m.
FFC (E) v SP and Ors.
Instructed in a civil fraud case with claims exceeding £25m, linked to bribery by tipping companies, alongside ongoing criminal investigations.
R v HSB
Asset recovery proceedings following a multi-million pound cross-border fraud involving hidden assets in the UAE.
A Republic v the U Family (and Ors.)
Coordinating counsel in the multi-jurisdictional enforcement of a series of commercial and criminal judgements (over $2bn).
G v S
Dishonest receipt of a McLaren F1 GTR Long-tail.
R v JE
Recovery proceedings involving a network of offshore SPVs, shadow directors, phoenix companies and a firm of corrupt attorneys.
WL v DB and Ors
Claim for damages by WL against DB and others for harassment and extortion related to escort services.
HP and Ors v DN and Ors
Claims regarding unpaid loans defended on the basis that the loan monies were part of a money laundering scheme, raising novel legal questions about using criminal money laundering as a defence in civil cases.
General Electric and ors. v AOG Technics and ors
General Electric commercial claim against AOG Technics for selling unauthorised airline parts, prompting investigations by the SFO and civil aviation authority.
CCC v TB and Ors.
Instructed on children's charity claims against former director.
Federal Republic of Nigeria v Malabu (English High Court)
Recovery of £85m for the Federal Republic of Nigeria from a corrupt oil deal.
"Faisal is incredibly user friendly and responsive. His written work is excellent, and his advocacy is persuasive. His practice across both civil work and criminal asset forfeiture is a real point of difference."
"…A charming, fiercely bright and sought-after lawyer..."
Chambers UK 2022 (Band 1)
"He is approachable, jargon-busting, and a man with an eye for an unusual legal argument."
"A fantastic junior, who is highly approachable and very good on the technical law."
"Faisal has a real understanding of solicitor firms and is very willing to get involved. Knowledgeable and calm, he has a real winning manner when acting as an advocate."
Chambers and Partners, 2025 – Band 1
"Faisal is incredibly user friendly and responsive. His written work is excellent, and his advocacy is persuasive. His practice across both civil work and criminal asset forfeiture is a real point of difference."
"Faisal has exceptional knowledge of the DIFC."
"…There are few barristers that can do what he does. Very accessible and a pleasure to work with…"
"Faisal is absolutely standout. He has huge experience of the civil and criminal fields, he is terrific with clients, his courtroom manner is exceptional, and he has a unique ability just to get on with it and to get the job done."
"His grasp of detail is something to behold, but he wears it lightly."
"One of the leading juniors in the field – his input is invaluable."
"An exceptional junior in the financial crime field."
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View Quotes
Alizz Islamic Bank S.A.O.C v Alef Capital B.S.C.(C) (Formerly Investrade Company B.S.C (C))
Claim for breach of duties against Wakil under a Restricted Wakalah Agreement
Federal Republic of Nigeria v Malabu (English High Court)
Recovery of £85m for the Federal Republic of Nigeria from a corrupt oil deal.
(1) Trafigura PTE LTD (2) Trafigura India PTV LTD v (1) Mr Prateek Gupta (2) Mrs Ginni Gupta [2025] DIFC CA 001
Appeal arising as to whether the DIFC Court has jurisdiction and power to issue freezing orders in aid of proceedings in a foreign court which may yield a judgment enforceable in the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) and the Emirate of Dubai.
Expert Evidence (TSK)
Institutional investors who held contingent convertible (AT1) bonds in the Spanish bank Banco Popular Español in claims against the Single Resolution Board before the General Court of the Court of Justice of the European Union. This matter involved claims under Spanish and EU law.
A UAE Company (DIFC Court)
Multiple claims for enforcement of securities following the UAE’s largest healthcare provider collapse.CE Bank v NMC, BS (and Ors.)Bank of B. v N, NMC, BS (and Ors.)State Bank of I. v NMC, BS (and Ors.)C. Bank v NMC, BS (and Ors.)B. Bank v BS (and Ors.)
Commercial Bank of Dubai v Now Payment Services
Claim by Payment Services Company following the contractual termination of banking arrangements.
KSY v UAB; KSY v B (DIFC Court)
Claim for declaratory relief against major UAE based banks caught up in a conspiracy to forge multi-million AED personal guarantees.
IDBI (Bank) v MDGC (LLC) (DIFC Court)
Enforcement of security against UAE company by a Dubai Bank.
G v a Cayman SPV; UAE Bank; BVI SPVs (DIFC Court)
Injunctive proceedings in support of a foreign claim enforcing a UAE judgment (in excess of $100m). The case involved complex issues of non-disclosure and the jurisdiction of the DIFCC to make free-standing injunctions in aid of foreign proceedings against a non-judgment/non-cause of action respondent.
A Republic v the U Family (and Ors.)
Coordinating counsel in the multi-jurisdictional enforcement of a series of commercial and criminal judgements (over $2bn).
R v HSB
Asset recovery proceedings following a multi-million pound cross-border fraud involving hidden assets in the UAE.
Operation Vaulter
Conspiracy to defraud involving ‘contra-trading’ and offshore operations in the United Arab Emirates.
A v (a Liechtenstein Trust Foundation) and A (DIFC Court, Dubai Courts)
Attachment of a super-yacht following UK's largest divorce.
IGPL v PP (DIFC Court)
Claim against BVI receiver by UAE claimants, relating to London based real property.
Globe Investment Holdings Ltd v 1) Commercial Bank of Dubai; 2) Hortin Holding Limited; 3) Lodge Hill Limited; 4) Westdene Investment Limited; 5) VS 1897 (CAYMAN) Limited
Claim by Globe Investment (UAE) against a company owned by the Commercial Bank of Dubai for alleged unpaid debt obligations.
MS v (a JV Company) (Qatar International Commercial Court)
Claim for contractual entitlement following an alleged breach of terms, practice and duties against a well-known Qatari/International organisation.
NG (Cyprus), QGICO (Qatar), TR (Bahrain), Sheikh N A-T (Qatar) and Ors. v a Firm (UAE) (DIFC Court)
Commercial Claim following US FINCEN enforcement action against a Lebanese bank.
Kian Saadat Yazdi v United Arab Bank P.J.S.C
For declaration that multi-million Dirham personal guarantees were fraudulent and void ab inito.
Project Sarajevo
MENA, GCC and Swiss Asset Recovery Claim - with claims in Lebanese and Swiss law (civil and criminal).
"Faisal has exceptional knowledge of the DIFC."
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Re: a Cayman Islands Lending Institution
Application of CI PoCL 2008 (confiscation and money laundering).
Clyde Chalwell v BVI Complaints Commissioner
Litigation, following a Commission of Inquiry chaired by a retired English High Court Judge regarding the supply of ships to police BVI territorial waters during the pandemic.
Federal Republic of Nigeria v Tibit (BVI)
Recovery of a Bombardier Global 6000 Executive Jet purchased using the proceeds of a corrupt oil deal.
DPP v Binance Holdings Limited and Ors
Civil Recovery proceedings (shāzhūpán) against Binance and Ors. in the Cayman Islands
BVI AG v X
Criminal investigation following BVI Commission of Inquiry.
P v L Trustees (and Ors.) (Cayman Islands Commercial Court)
Trust dispute with claims in the Cayman Islands, BVI, Liechtenstein, Israel, England and the United States.
Receivers of a Cayman Islands Segregated Portfolio Company on Behalf of ALFF v RH (and 11 others)
Unlawful means conspiracy, breach of contract and duty, and dishonest assistance.
View Cases
View Quotes
FCA v JD
FCA civil and criminal investigation into fraud and money laundering, valued at £81.4m.
Re: A UK Company
Including compliance; criminal liability; civil actions by commercial victims to disgorge profit, damages or relief (UK and overseas); post-conviction liability (monitoring, confiscation/civil recovery, liability and implications under the EU Public Procurement Directive).
Re: An EU Technology Corporation
Advice on criminal liability, consequential civil actions and compliance with the Bribery Acts arising out of overseas corruption by a UK national, (assigned to an EU parent company) employed to negotiate contracts with a West Indian Distributor.
HO v AGP, BG, FH (MSS)
Part 5 PoCA proceedings advanced on the basis of ‘seemingly unorthodox’ banking practices (defending).
SFO v GPT Special Projects (and Ors.)
Allegations of corrupt payments during the supply of signals systems to Saudi Arabian National Guard.
Re: A US Drilling Company
Advice on the acquisition of a UK company with overseas operations in Central Asia and the Middle East. Corruption had been uncovered and unlawful payments identified. The possibility of money laundering offences (et. al) was a concern.
Re: A UK Healthcare Provider
Advice on criminal liability, directors' liability, potential Regulatory enforcement and commercial strategy regarding a Nation State’s request to ‘kick-back’ a percentage of a contract price under the guise of a ‘commission payment.’
"…He has one of the greatest minds for finance and can pick things apart just by looking at numbers…"
Chambers UK 2022 (Band 1)
"Faisal Osman is very user-friendly with clients and someone who explains things in a very digestible way."
Chambers and Partners, 2025 - POCA
"Faisal Osman's advice is meticulous. He provides clear, unambiguous views on the strengths of cases together with realistic action plans for future work."
Chambers and Partners, 2025 – Band 1
"He is exceptionally talented, versatile and can move between financial crime and civil litigation as well as domestic and international."
Chambers UK 2017-2024, Recommended in Financial Crime & Asset Recovery
"…highly intelligent and someone with a prodigious appetite for work who is a real rising star in both the civil as well as the criminal fields"
Chambers UK 2017-2024, Recommended in Financial Crime & Asset Recovery
" He's very intelligent, very good at paperwork and he produces fantastic arguments with great attention to detail."
Chambers UK 2017-2024, Recommended in Financial Crime & Asset Recovery
"Faisal is incredibly user friendly and responsive. His written work is excellent, and his advocacy is persuasive. His practice across both civil work and criminal asset forfeiture is a real point of difference. Copy"
Legal 500, 2025
"Very user friendly and technically strong."
"An indefatigable and charming junior."
"He has the ability to cut through large amounts of material at an impressive rate and distil it down to the points that matter"
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View Quotes
Project XYZ
For Receivers in a $3bn+ Crypto-asset Civil Recovery order
DPP v Binance Holdings Limited and Ors
Civil Recovery proceedings (shāzhūpán) against Binance and Ors. in the Cayman Islands
T, L, DK and Ors.
Representative action following the collapse of one of DeFi’s most significant algo-stablecoins.
"Exceptionally bright. Organised, well prepared, and very good at written work and pleadings, he is approachable and places the client at ease."
Legal 500 2017-2024, Recommended in Civil Fraud & Asset Recovery
View Cases
View Quotes
Operation Aloft
Prosecution of the former Mayor of Liverpool and others.
R (On Application of AFC, AA) v C Magistrates’ Court ex parte Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs
Judicial Review of HM Revenue and Customs’ investigatory conduct relating to film scheme tax relief and input tax recovery.
R v MH
Successful appeal (Court of Appeal) relating to an insider fraud at a leading investment bank.
Operation Amazon
The most complex tax case HMRC have ever prosecuted. For the first defendant.
R v S, T &T
Fraudulent manufacture of substance detection devices sold to private and state security forces worldwide.
SFO v B, G and Ors
Restraint litigation and judicial review following to collapse of a mini-bond investment vehicle.
Operation Vaulter
Conspiracy to defraud involving ‘contra-trading’ and offshore operations in the United Arab Emirates.
"Faisal has a very nice manner in court. Being so well prepared, he produces neat, succinct submissions that are quietly impressive."
Chambers and Partners, 2025 - POCA
" Faisal is incredibly user friendly and responsive. His written work is excellent, and his advocacy is persuasive."
Legal 500, 2025, Tier 1 - POCA
"…Faisal is one of the most relatable and easy to work with barristers we ever had to work with…"
View Cases
View Quotes
R (On Application of AFC, AA) v C Magistrates’ Court ex parte Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs
Judicial Review of HM Revenue and Customs’ investigatory conduct relating to film scheme tax relief and input tax recovery.
EAH Ltd. v HMRC
First-tier tax tribunal appeal of a decision to deny VAT recovery involving UK supplied helicopters held under US owner-operated trusts.
Operation Amazon
The most complex tax case HMRC have ever prosecuted. For the first defendant.
"An extremely intelligent and organised junior."
"He works so hard, is bright and is very good with the client. He is also proactive rather than reactive."
"Faisal is an excellent barrister."
Chambers and Partners, 2025 - POCA
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View Quotes
R v JP
Multi-million pound fraud allegation against an IFA, indicted with offences contrary to the FSMA 2000.
FCA v GS and Others
FCA Market abuse and insider dealing allegations involving City of London traders.
C v FCA
FCA enforcement action regarding an unregistered and unlicensed investment company.
"Faisal's relaxed, approachable manner belies his meticulous attention to detail and careful preparation."
"Faisal is excellent. His written work is very clear, he is very measured and he has very good legal analysis."
Chambers and Partners, 2025 – Band 1
"Extremely well-organised, precise, analytical, easy to work with and able to use technology to the advantage of the case - other counsel finds his technological solutions invaluable."
White Collar, Crime & Investigations
Regulatory & Disciplinary
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View Quotes
TDB v BJR
Prosecuted before the Tribunal to conviction; appeal dismissed.
TDB v Deborah Annells
Prosecution of Hong Kong CIOT Fellow upon allegations of multi-million HK$/AUD$/€ misappropriation.
ICAEW v F Tax (a firm)
Defending multiple breaches of the audit and accounting rules.
TDB v SD
Phantom billing and unprofessional behaviour charges (all charges proved).
The Taxation Disciplinary Board Tribunal
Presenting advocate to the tribunal; the independent disciplinary body of the Association of Taxation Technicians and Chartered Institute of Taxation.
Law Society (SRA) v R, MF and others
Injunctive relief in the intervention of two connected law firms.
"Faisal Osman is very user‑friendly with clients and someone who explains things in a very digestible way."
View Cases
Operation Diazoma
Civil Recovery Claim over property obtained in a fraud on the Kuwaiti Health Authority
Lister [2014] EWCA Crim 2290
Whether the value of drugs for the purposes of benefit ought to be assessed against resale value at a future date.
DPP v Su and Ors.
The first UWO obtained by the DPP over London real property valued at £85m
R v Birmingham Magistrates’ Court ex parte Sanghera [2017] EWHC 3323 (Admin)
Judicial review of a confiscation warrant of commitment.
Project XYZ
For Receivers in a $3bn+ Crypto-asset Civil Recovery order
R (On Application of the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police) v City of Salford Magistrates’ Court ex parte Sarwar and Sons Knitwear Limited (2008)
Judicial review relating to civil cash seizures and the meaning of property ‘obtained by unlawful conduct’.
HMRC v PS, THL (a Gibraltar Company)
Intervening third party corporate applicant (s.301 PoCA). Defeated allegation of Directors' corruption.
DPP v Binance Holdings Limited and Ors
Civil Recovery proceedings (shāzhūpán) against Binance and Ors. in the Cayman Islands
Faisal Osman : Experience & Expertise
View Cases
Quotes
Abudantia BV v Fastron Limited and Rillius
A Turkish online gaming company claim for breach of contract and conspiracy against global competitor Fastron Limited and Rillius.
A Federal Republic v (a Bank)
$875m breach of trust claim against an international bank concerning the handling of a corrupt oil block deal.
A and Ors. v ML, WH (a Company) and Ors.
Claim (proprietary) relating to Middle Eastern investment fraud.
2M Makina Mümessillik ve Ticaret Anonim Şirketi v Titan 2 Ic İçtaş İnşaat Anonim Şirketi
Commercial Claim by Turkish Contractor in English Law relating to unpaid invoices in the supply of equipment for a nuclear power station.
Re a Company v NA
Company (In Receivership) v NA Receivers’ claims for monies paid away to Dubai, following litigation to recover in Dubai.
A v F and L
Contractual dispute arising out of a joint venture between a Ukrainian sports gaming provider and a Turkish speaking regions counter-party
Court of Auditors, Italy v Global Starnet UK
Enforcement of judgment by the Italian Court Di Conti, which found that Global Starnet, a middleware technology firm, had defrauded the Italian exchequer by over €350m. Global Starnet Ltd had been restrained by a international request by the Italians.
UEL v BS
Proprietary claim for misappropriated by a company finance director.
DG v 17 GSL (and Others)
Section 994 CA 2006 unfair prejudice claim on behalf of an aggrieved shareholder.
AAA v BBB & Others
Successfully appeared for the first defendant in a multi-defendant cross-border freezing order application. The judgment provides important clarification on the strict application of procedural rules in arbitration-related applications and reinforces the absolute duty of candour on without notice applications. It confirms that tactical litigation considerations cannot override mandatory service requirements. Instructed by Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan UK LLP
BIS v JGS
Trial of an un-discharged bankrupt for material omissions made to trustee in bankruptcy; subject to a £100m world-wide civil freezing order.
Receivers of a Cayman Islands Segregated Portfolio Company on Behalf of ALFF v RH (and 11 others)
Unlawful means conspiracy, breach of contract and duty, and dishonest assistance.
"If you instruct him as a junior you get silk standard advice."
"He is academically very good, and a hard-working junior, who isn't afraid to take every point in a legal argument."
"...Faisal is impressively smart and incredibly responsive, but his greatest asset is possibly his quick wit, which is always welcome and utterly invaluable during long and hard-fought cases..."
Legal 500
"Faisal has great commercial and legal judgement, getting fantastic results."
"…Affable, polite, always reachable and deeply knowledgeable in his field.."
"A fantastic barrister, who has cemented his position at the top of the junior commercial crime Bar."
"Immensely hardworking, but you wouldnt think it from how effortless he makes it look."
View Cases
Quotes
(A Charity) v PP
Fraud, conversion, personal and proprietary claims following the taking of charitable funds by a corrupt employee.
G v S
Dishonest receipt of a McLaren F1 GTR Long-tail.
IE (Europe) v NE
Fraud and conversion of company monies transferred away to the USA.
R v JE
Recovery proceedings involving a network of offshore SPVs, shadow directors, phoenix companies and a firm of corrupt attorneys.
TP and Others v J and Others
Claim by trust beneficiaries alleging unlawful means conspiracy and dishonest assistance against a lawyer employed a firm owned by a convicted fraudster.
WL v DB and Ors
Claim for damages by WL against DB and others for harassment and extortion related to escort services.
C and Ors. v P
Claim for significant account and monetary claim arising out of an English Regulated Solicitor’s alleged breach of trust and breach of fiduciary duty. The monetary value of the case exceeds £10m.
HP and Ors v DN and Ors
Claims regarding unpaid loans defended on the basis that the loan monies were part of a money laundering scheme, raising novel legal questions about using criminal money laundering as a defence in civil cases.
FCA v JD
FCA civil and criminal investigation into fraud and money laundering, valued at £81.4m.
General Electric and ors. v AOG Technics and ors
General Electric commercial claim against AOG Technics for selling unauthorised airline parts, prompting investigations by the SFO and civil aviation authority.
FFC (E) v SP and Ors.
Instructed in a civil fraud case with claims exceeding £25m, linked to bribery by tipping companies, alongside ongoing criminal investigations.
CCC v TB and Ors.
Instructed on children's charity claims against former director.
R v HSB
Asset recovery proceedings following a multi-million pound cross-border fraud involving hidden assets in the UAE.
Federal Republic of Nigeria v Malabu (English High Court)
Recovery of £85m for the Federal Republic of Nigeria from a corrupt oil deal.
A Republic v the U Family (and Ors.)
Coordinating counsel in the multi-jurisdictional enforcement of a series of commercial and criminal judgements (over $2bn).
"Faisal is incredibly user friendly and responsive. His written work is excellent, and his advocacy is persuasive. His practice across both civil work and criminal asset forfeiture is a real point of difference."
"…A charming, fiercely bright and sought-after lawyer..."
Chambers UK 2022 (Band 1)
"He is approachable, jargon-busting, and a man with an eye for an unusual legal argument."
"A fantastic junior, who is highly approachable and very good on the technical law."
"Faisal has a real understanding of solicitor firms and is very willing to get involved. Knowledgeable and calm, he has a real winning manner when acting as an advocate."
Chambers and Partners, 2025 – Band 1
"Faisal is incredibly user friendly and responsive. His written work is excellent, and his advocacy is persuasive. His practice across both civil work and criminal asset forfeiture is a real point of difference."
"Faisal has exceptional knowledge of the DIFC."
"…There are few barristers that can do what he does. Very accessible and a pleasure to work with…"
"Faisal is absolutely standout. He has huge experience of the civil and criminal fields, he is terrific with clients, his courtroom manner is exceptional, and he has a unique ability just to get on with it and to get the job done."
"His grasp of detail is something to behold, but he wears it lightly."
"One of the leading juniors in the field – his input is invaluable."
"An exceptional junior in the financial crime field."
View Cases
Quotes
Alizz Islamic Bank S.A.O.C v Alef Capital B.S.C.(C) (Formerly Investrade Company B.S.C (C))
Claim for breach of duties against Wakil under a Restricted Wakalah Agreement
R v HSB
Asset recovery proceedings following a multi-million pound cross-border fraud involving hidden assets in the UAE.
Federal Republic of Nigeria v Malabu (English High Court)
Recovery of £85m for the Federal Republic of Nigeria from a corrupt oil deal.
Operation Vaulter
Conspiracy to defraud involving ‘contra-trading’ and offshore operations in the United Arab Emirates.
(1) Trafigura PTE LTD (2) Trafigura India PTV LTD v (1) Mr Prateek Gupta (2) Mrs Ginni Gupta [2025] DIFC CA 001
Appeal arising as to whether the DIFC Court has jurisdiction and power to issue freezing orders in aid of proceedings in a foreign court which may yield a judgment enforceable in the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) and the Emirate of Dubai.
A v (a Liechtenstein Trust Foundation) and A (DIFC Court, Dubai Courts)
Attachment of a super-yacht following UK's largest divorce.
Expert Evidence (TSK)
Institutional investors who held contingent convertible (AT1) bonds in the Spanish bank Banco Popular Español in claims against the Single Resolution Board before the General Court of the Court of Justice of the European Union. This matter involved claims under Spanish and EU law.
IGPL v PP (DIFC Court)
Claim against BVI receiver by UAE claimants, relating to London based real property.
A UAE Company (DIFC Court)
Multiple claims for enforcement of securities following the UAE’s largest healthcare provider collapse.CE Bank v NMC, BS (and Ors.)Bank of B. v N, NMC, BS (and Ors.)State Bank of I. v NMC, BS (and Ors.)C. Bank v NMC, BS (and Ors.)B. Bank v BS (and Ors.)
Globe Investment Holdings Ltd v 1) Commercial Bank of Dubai; 2) Hortin Holding Limited; 3) Lodge Hill Limited; 4) Westdene Investment Limited; 5) VS 1897 (CAYMAN) Limited
Claim by Globe Investment (UAE) against a company owned by the Commercial Bank of Dubai for alleged unpaid debt obligations.
Commercial Bank of Dubai v Now Payment Services
Claim by Payment Services Company following the contractual termination of banking arrangements.
MS v (a JV Company) (Qatar International Commercial Court)
Claim for contractual entitlement following an alleged breach of terms, practice and duties against a well-known Qatari/International organisation.
KSY v UAB; KSY v B (DIFC Court)
Claim for declaratory relief against major UAE based banks caught up in a conspiracy to forge multi-million AED personal guarantees.
NG (Cyprus), QGICO (Qatar), TR (Bahrain), Sheikh N A-T (Qatar) and Ors. v a Firm (UAE) (DIFC Court)
Commercial Claim following US FINCEN enforcement action against a Lebanese bank.
IDBI (Bank) v MDGC (LLC) (DIFC Court)
Enforcement of security against UAE company by a Dubai Bank.
Kian Saadat Yazdi v United Arab Bank P.J.S.C
For declaration that multi-million Dirham personal guarantees were fraudulent and void ab inito.
G v a Cayman SPV; UAE Bank; BVI SPVs (DIFC Court)
Injunctive proceedings in support of a foreign claim enforcing a UAE judgment (in excess of $100m). The case involved complex issues of non-disclosure and the jurisdiction of the DIFCC to make free-standing injunctions in aid of foreign proceedings against a non-judgment/non-cause of action respondent.
Project Sarajevo
MENA, GCC and Swiss Asset Recovery Claim - with claims in Lebanese and Swiss law (civil and criminal).
A Republic v the U Family (and Ors.)
Coordinating counsel in the multi-jurisdictional enforcement of a series of commercial and criminal judgements (over $2bn).
"Faisal has exceptional knowledge of the DIFC."
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Re: a Cayman Islands Lending Institution
Application of CI PoCL 2008 (confiscation and money laundering).
BVI AG v X
Criminal investigation following BVI Commission of Inquiry.
Clyde Chalwell v BVI Complaints Commissioner
Litigation, following a Commission of Inquiry chaired by a retired English High Court Judge regarding the supply of ships to police BVI territorial waters during the pandemic.
P v L Trustees (and Ors.) (Cayman Islands Commercial Court)
Trust dispute with claims in the Cayman Islands, BVI, Liechtenstein, Israel, England and the United States.
Federal Republic of Nigeria v Tibit (BVI)
Recovery of a Bombardier Global 6000 Executive Jet purchased using the proceeds of a corrupt oil deal.
Receivers of a Cayman Islands Segregated Portfolio Company on Behalf of ALFF v RH (and 11 others)
Unlawful means conspiracy, breach of contract and duty, and dishonest assistance.
DPP v Binance Holdings Limited and Ors
Civil Recovery proceedings (shāzhūpán) against Binance and Ors. in the Cayman Islands
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Quotes
FCA v JD
FCA civil and criminal investigation into fraud and money laundering, valued at £81.4m.
SFO v GPT Special Projects (and Ors.)
Allegations of corrupt payments during the supply of signals systems to Saudi Arabian National Guard.
Re: A UK Company
Including compliance; criminal liability; civil actions by commercial victims to disgorge profit, damages or relief (UK and overseas); post-conviction liability (monitoring, confiscation/civil recovery, liability and implications under the EU Public Procurement Directive).
Re: A US Drilling Company
Advice on the acquisition of a UK company with overseas operations in Central Asia and the Middle East. Corruption had been uncovered and unlawful payments identified. The possibility of money laundering offences (et. al) was a concern.
Re: An EU Technology Corporation
Advice on criminal liability, consequential civil actions and compliance with the Bribery Acts arising out of overseas corruption by a UK national, (assigned to an EU parent company) employed to negotiate contracts with a West Indian Distributor.
Re: A UK Healthcare Provider
Advice on criminal liability, directors' liability, potential Regulatory enforcement and commercial strategy regarding a Nation State’s request to ‘kick-back’ a percentage of a contract price under the guise of a ‘commission payment.’
HO v AGP, BG, FH (MSS)
Part 5 PoCA proceedings advanced on the basis of ‘seemingly unorthodox’ banking practices (defending).
"…He has one of the greatest minds for finance and can pick things apart just by looking at numbers…"
Chambers UK 2022 (Band 1)
"Faisal Osman is very user-friendly with clients and someone who explains things in a very digestible way."
Chambers and Partners, 2025 - POCA
"Faisal Osman's advice is meticulous. He provides clear, unambiguous views on the strengths of cases together with realistic action plans for future work."
Chambers and Partners, 2025 – Band 1
"He is exceptionally talented, versatile and can move between financial crime and civil litigation as well as domestic and international."
Chambers UK 2017-2024, Recommended in Financial Crime & Asset Recovery
"…highly intelligent and someone with a prodigious appetite for work who is a real rising star in both the civil as well as the criminal fields"
Chambers UK 2017-2024, Recommended in Financial Crime & Asset Recovery
" He's very intelligent, very good at paperwork and he produces fantastic arguments with great attention to detail."
Chambers UK 2017-2024, Recommended in Financial Crime & Asset Recovery
"Faisal is incredibly user friendly and responsive. His written work is excellent, and his advocacy is persuasive. His practice across both civil work and criminal asset forfeiture is a real point of difference. Copy"
Legal 500, 2025
"Very user friendly and technically strong."
"An indefatigable and charming junior."
"He has the ability to cut through large amounts of material at an impressive rate and distil it down to the points that matter"
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Quotes
Project XYZ
For Receivers in a $3bn+ Crypto-asset Civil Recovery order
T, L, DK and Ors.
Representative action following the collapse of one of DeFi’s most significant algo-stablecoins.
DPP v Binance Holdings Limited and Ors
Civil Recovery proceedings (shāzhūpán) against Binance and Ors. in the Cayman Islands
"Exceptionally bright. Organised, well prepared, and very good at written work and pleadings, he is approachable and places the client at ease."
Legal 500 2017-2024, Recommended in Civil Fraud & Asset Recovery
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Quotes
Operation Aloft
Prosecution of the former Mayor of Liverpool and others.
R v S, T &T
Fraudulent manufacture of substance detection devices sold to private and state security forces worldwide.
R (On Application of AFC, AA) v C Magistrates’ Court ex parte Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs
Judicial Review of HM Revenue and Customs’ investigatory conduct relating to film scheme tax relief and input tax recovery.
SFO v B, G and Ors
Restraint litigation and judicial review following to collapse of a mini-bond investment vehicle.
R v MH
Successful appeal (Court of Appeal) relating to an insider fraud at a leading investment bank.
Operation Vaulter
Conspiracy to defraud involving ‘contra-trading’ and offshore operations in the United Arab Emirates.
Operation Amazon
The most complex tax case HMRC have ever prosecuted. For the first defendant.
"Faisal has a very nice manner in court. Being so well prepared, he produces neat, succinct submissions that are quietly impressive."
Chambers and Partners, 2025 - POCA
" Faisal is incredibly user friendly and responsive. His written work is excellent, and his advocacy is persuasive."
Legal 500, 2025, Tier 1 - POCA
"…Faisal is one of the most relatable and easy to work with barristers we ever had to work with…"
View Cases
Quotes
R (On Application of AFC, AA) v C Magistrates’ Court ex parte Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs
Judicial Review of HM Revenue and Customs’ investigatory conduct relating to film scheme tax relief and input tax recovery.
Operation Amazon
The most complex tax case HMRC have ever prosecuted. For the first defendant.
EAH Ltd. v HMRC
First-tier tax tribunal appeal of a decision to deny VAT recovery involving UK supplied helicopters held under US owner-operated trusts.
"An extremely intelligent and organised junior."
"He works so hard, is bright and is very good with the client. He is also proactive rather than reactive."
"Faisal is an excellent barrister."
Chambers and Partners, 2025 - POCA
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Quotes
R v JP
Multi-million pound fraud allegation against an IFA, indicted with offences contrary to the FSMA 2000.
C v FCA
FCA enforcement action regarding an unregistered and unlicensed investment company.
FCA v GS and Others
FCA Market abuse and insider dealing allegations involving City of London traders.
"Faisal's relaxed, approachable manner belies his meticulous attention to detail and careful preparation."
"Faisal is excellent. His written work is very clear, he is very measured and he has very good legal analysis."
Chambers and Partners, 2025 – Band 1
"Extremely well-organised, precise, analytical, easy to work with and able to use technology to the advantage of the case - other counsel finds his technological solutions invaluable."
White Collar, Crime & Investigations
Regulatory & Disciplinary
View Cases
Quotes
TDB v BJR
Prosecuted before the Tribunal to conviction; appeal dismissed.
TDB v SD
Phantom billing and unprofessional behaviour charges (all charges proved).
TDB v Deborah Annells
Prosecution of Hong Kong CIOT Fellow upon allegations of multi-million HK$/AUD$/€ misappropriation.
The Taxation Disciplinary Board Tribunal
Presenting advocate to the tribunal; the independent disciplinary body of the Association of Taxation Technicians and Chartered Institute of Taxation.
ICAEW v F Tax (a firm)
Defending multiple breaches of the audit and accounting rules.
Law Society (SRA) v R, MF and others
Injunctive relief in the intervention of two connected law firms.
"Faisal Osman is very user‑friendly with clients and someone who explains things in a very digestible way."
View Cases
Operation Diazoma
Civil Recovery Claim over property obtained in a fraud on the Kuwaiti Health Authority
Project XYZ
For Receivers in a $3bn+ Crypto-asset Civil Recovery order
Lister [2014] EWCA Crim 2290
Whether the value of drugs for the purposes of benefit ought to be assessed against resale value at a future date.
R (On Application of the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police) v City of Salford Magistrates’ Court ex parte Sarwar and Sons Knitwear Limited (2008)
Judicial review relating to civil cash seizures and the meaning of property ‘obtained by unlawful conduct’.
DPP v Su and Ors.
The first UWO obtained by the DPP over London real property valued at £85m
HMRC v PS, THL (a Gibraltar Company)
Intervening third party corporate applicant (s.301 PoCA). Defeated allegation of Directors' corruption.
R v Birmingham Magistrates’ Court ex parte Sanghera [2017] EWHC 3323 (Admin)
Judicial review of a confiscation warrant of commitment.
DPP v Binance Holdings Limited and Ors
Civil Recovery proceedings (shāzhūpán) against Binance and Ors. in the Cayman Islands
News from this Barrister
News from this Barrister
News from this Barrister
Case Updates
Gulf Financial Free Zones Update April Week 4
Gulf Financial Free Zones Update April Week 4
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)
Faisal Osman and Martin Khoshdel at London Arbitration Week 2025
Freezing order application success for Faisal Osman
Corporate Crime
Abundantia B.V. v (1) Fastron Limited (2) Rillius Holdings Limited [2025] EWHC 234 (Comm)
Articles from This Barrister
Articles from This Barrister
The QICDRC: The Emerging Centre for Islamic Finance Disputes
The QICDRC: The Emerging Centre for Islamic Finance Disputes
Content
The Gulf Doesn’t Need Another Common Law Court. The Indian Ocean Does.
The Gulf Doesn’t Need Another Common Law Court. The Indian Ocean Does.
Content
Too Vague for the Courtroom
Too Vague for the Courtroom
Content
For a confidential conversation please contact Chief Executive and Director of Clerking, Sam Carter.
“The clerks always go above and beyond to assist. They understand the needs of instructing solicitors, particularly in identifying suitable counsel for cases”
Chambers & Partners
“A friendly and integrated service. The clerks systems and client handling are excellent - with a can-do attitude, enabling easier planning on my side.”
Legal 500
People / Barristers
Address
For a confidential conversation please contact Chief Executive and Director of Clerking, Sam Carter.
“The clerks always go above and beyond to assist. They understand the needs of instructing solicitors, particularly in identifying suitable counsel for cases”
Chambers & Partners
“A friendly and integrated service. The clerks systems and client handling are excellent - with a can-do attitude, enabling easier planning on my side.”
Legal 500
People / Barristers
Address
For a confidential conversation please contact Chief Executive and Director of Clerking, Sam Carter.
“The clerks always go above and beyond to assist. They understand the needs of instructing solicitors, particularly in identifying suitable counsel for cases”
Chambers & Partners
“A friendly and integrated service. The clerks systems and client handling are excellent - with a can-do attitude, enabling easier planning on my side.”
Legal 500
People / Barristers
Address