Former Ince & Co partner Andrew Iyer is under investigation by Scotland Yard over £3m of client money that he allegedly moved into accounts under his name.
The firm suspended its former energy practice chief last July over what it called “irregular financial behaviour” (30 July 2010).
Ince & Co said it had referred the matter upon discovery to the SRA, which is currently conducting an investigation, and to the Metropolitan Police.
In a statement the firm said: “As reported in our July 2010 statement, Nathan Andrew Iyer was suspended on 22 July 2010 and subsequently resigned as a consequence of his irregular financial behaviour. No other members of staff were involved.
“We reported the issue to the police and the SRA at the time of discovery. We immediately took steps to ensure no clients would suffer any loss. The matter since then has been in the hands of the police and the SRA.”
It comes just weeks after Hogan Lovells dismissed long-standing litigation partner Christopher Grierson after discovering he claimed more than £1m in false expenses over a four-year period (17 May 2011).
The firm reported the matter to the SRA but is yet to inform police. Chief executive David Harris explained: “Once you go to the police there are limitations on what you can say. We put a huge emphasis on openness and didn’t want people to learn about this from elsewhere.” (23 May 2011)
Readers' comments (22)
London Partner (alleged) Crime Wave | 27-May-2011 1:46 pm
Well done Mr Iyer - helping Ince & Co to outdo HogLov on the most amount a partner might ALLEGEDLY trouser. A real top ALLEGED performance.
But, remember partner-crime fans, the swag grabbing season has only just begun - who knows who will score the greatest haul by the end of the year?
Personally, I'm betting we'll see a £5m+ grab by an English partner before 2011 is out.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Bored | 27-May-2011 1:46 pm
Oh do please give it a rest. This isn't news.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 27-May-2011 1:53 pm
Bored @1:46
Erm, a partner being investigated for a £3m theft, how can you not think that is a story?
You should get back to reading about Cheryl and the X Factor....
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Have I Got News For You? | 27-May-2011 1:56 pm
@Bored | 27-May-2011 1:46 pm
You're trying a wind up, or you're living on another planet. If this isn't 'news' then what is?
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 27-May-2011 1:59 pm
Whilst they investigate the one, why not the other ??
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anon | 27-May-2011 2:28 pm
GREED, GREED, GREED, GREED and a bit more GREED: welcome to Britain, 2011. Please leave your moral compass at the door.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 27-May-2011 3:13 pm
As the tide of money recedes and lays the seabed bare, all manner of slimy creatures with interesting habits are uncovered.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 27-May-2011 4:21 pm
I know Andrew well and he is a good chap who went to a decent school.
I can't imagine he would have done this deliberately and if he did, he probably had perfectly justifiable reasons. No need for the police to get involved, shouldn't they be focussing on real crime instead of paltry amounts of money like this etc.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 27-May-2011 4:45 pm
Theft is a crime regardless of his intention (deliberate or otherwise). Of course the Police should be informed: "nice chaps" are not above the law.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment
Anonymous | 27-May-2011 4:50 pm
I too knew Andrew from the Club and know that he attended a very sensible boys school indeed.
This must all be some sort of mistake.
Unsuitable or offensive? Report this comment