Ilford firm Edwards Duthie advises Gaddafi regime on UK asset freezing
Colonel Gaddafi’s regime, the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, has instructed Ilford firm Edwards Duthie to help it regain control of Libya’s embassy and frozen assets in the UK.
Colonel Gaddafi
The news, first reported in The Times, comes after foreign secretary William Hague recognised Libya’s rebel government, the National Transitional Council (NTC), as the sole governmental authority in the country on 27 July.
Fourteen-partner high street firm Edwards Duthie has so far filed two claims in the High Court on behalf of the Gaddafi regime.
Meanwhile, the NTC has instructed Hogan Lovells in the UK to block the Gaddafi regime’s attempts to deny it access to Libya’s frozen embassy and assets. Partner Mohamed Shaban of Holborn firm MS-Legal has been instructed by the NTC’s ambassador to the UK Mahmud Nacua.
The NTC is also looking at doing the same in jurisdictions across the world where Libya has assets.
In a statement, an NTC executive committee spokesperson said: “The UK Government recognises the NTC as the legitimate government of Libya.
“We’re seeking to build a free and democratic society based upon the principles of political democracy and the rule of law. As such we use these principles in practice to help us secure the property that belongs to the Libyan people and will oppose attempts to prevent us from doing so. We have the resources and will to do this, and will take all steps that are required to protect the interests of the Libyan people.”
Earlier this year, the NTC instructed Washington DC lobbying firm Patton Boggs as it sought to gain recognition in the US as Libya’s legitimate government.
Edwards Duthie did not respond to calls for comment.
Readers' comments (11)
Cousin Vinny | 19-Aug-2011 4:43 pm
Watch out now, the big guns are out!
Look at all the accreditations they've got!
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Anonymous | 19-Aug-2011 5:33 pm
Must have been fun to get through compliance.
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Sir Norfolk Passmore | 22-Aug-2011 9:03 am
Based on the news over the weekend, I can only hope they secured payment on account.
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Anonymous | 22-Aug-2011 9:34 am
Hope they took payment on account. I think it may take more than High Court enforcement to get paid on this one given that half of Libya has just started repossession proceedings against their client. Nice PR too!!!!!!!
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Anonymous | 22-Aug-2011 10:41 am
All I can say is, 'only in Ilford!'
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Anonymous | 22-Aug-2011 3:32 pm
Shouldn't the SRA investigate in order to conclude how the AML regulations were followed?
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Sir Norfolk Passmore | 23-Aug-2011 9:48 am
Just because the client is dodgy (to put it very mildly) doesn't mean the AML regulations are likely to be an issue.
We can all take a view on the morality of the situation, but there is nothing surprising in itself that somebody who has had assets frozen and property confiscated might seek to instruct lawyers. Nor is there any indication of a suspicious movement of funds or misuse of the client account.
In short, just because the client is, in all probability, a money launderer alongside numerous other offences, doesn't mean AML regs are an issue if the engagement itself isn't effectively a front for money laundering.
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Litigateuse | 23-Aug-2011 11:01 am
Well said Sir! There are exemptions built into POCA which cover such litigation. Otherwise no person accused of a crime would ever be able to instruct and pay their lawyers.
I would have thought obtaining instructions may prove more of a practical problem.....
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Anonymous | 23-Aug-2011 11:40 am
Also the fact that he is a household name and there is sufficient evidence publicly available to verify his identity
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Safe Gadaffi | 23-Aug-2011 3:12 pm
Anonymous @ 11.40am: great point! If not, I'm sure Muammar will be able to provide copy gas and electric bills and a bank statement when next passing through the London borough of Redbridge.
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Anonymous | 2-Sep-2011 9:17 pm
there should be no problem with the bills especially a oil bill
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