White Collar Crime

India's white collar crime landscape is evolving rapidly, marked by increased regulatory scrutiny, cross-border cooperation among enforcement agencies and complex compliance expectations for both corporates and individuals. Allegations of fraud, corruption, insider trading, money laundering, cybercrime and other financial offenses now carry significant legal, reputational and business risks.

Overview

At Aequitas Law Partners, we provide comprehensive and strategic legal counsel to corporates, executives, boards and financial institutions facing investigations, prosecutions or internal compliance challenges. Our White Collar Crimes practice is rooted in a strong understanding of the legal, procedural and strategic dimensions of financial and regulatory offenses in India, combined with a pragmatic, discreet and solution-oriented approach. We assist clients in navigating high-stakes investigations and proceedings initiated by key enforcement bodies including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and other regulators and economic offenses wings. Whether acting for complainants, accused or witnesses, our team offers end-to-end support from strategic response planning and internal investigations to pre-arrest remedies, representation before investigative and judicial authorities and reputational risk mitigation. We also assist in designing internal policies and compliance programs aimed at preventing white collar misconduct and ensuring regulatory alignment. Our practice is also geared to handle the cross-border dimensions of white collar issues, including mutual legal assistance treaties (MLATs), extradition proceedings, asset freezing and responding to global compliance inquiries.

Areas of Expertise

  • Defense in criminal investigations and prosecutions
  • Enforcement proceedings before CBI, ED, SFIO, SEBI and other regulators
  • Internal investigations and whistleblower matters
  • Anti-corruption and anti-money laundering compliance
  • Corporate fraud and forensic investigation support
  • Cross-border coordination and extradition defense
  • Crisis management and reputation protection
  • Prevention of Corruption Act, PMLA, FEMA and Companies Act compliance

Key Services

Our comprehensive service offerings in white collar crime

Defense in Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions

Representing clients in investigations, summons, arrests and prosecutions involving offenses under the Indian Penal Code, Prevention of Corruption Act, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Companies Act, FEMA and other economic offenses statutes. We provide strategic advice on pre-arrest relief, quashing petitions and bail applications.

Enforcement Proceedings and Regulatory Inquiries

Advising clients on proceedings before the ED, CBI, SFIO, SEBI, RBI and other regulators. We assist with responses to notices, summons, show cause proceedings and adjudication, with a focus on minimizing legal and reputational fallout.

Internal Investigations and Whistleblower Issues

Conducting internal fact-finding investigations into allegations of fraud, financial misconduct or employee wrongdoing. We help frame investigation protocols, assess legal exposure, preserve digital and documentary evidence and prepare for regulatory engagement.

Anti-Corruption and Anti-Money Laundering Compliance

Advising on anti-bribery frameworks, PMLA and FEMA compliance, KYC/ AML protocols, internal controls and reporting obligations. We help build compliance structures aligned with domestic and international anti-corruption standards.

Corporate Fraud and Forensic Support

Working with forensic and audit experts to investigate accounting fraud, embezzlement, procurement scams, insider trading and corporate governance lapses. We assist with evidence collection, recovery actions and criminal complaints.

Cross-Border Coordination and Extradition

Assisting in cases involving international dimensions such as overseas asset tracing, extradition defense, red corner notices and coordination with foreign law firms and investigative bodies.

Crisis Management and Reputation Protection

Advising on public relations strategies, board-level disclosures and crisis communications during investigations. We help organizations respond swiftly while maintaining regulatory compliance and legal defensibility.

Why ALP?

At Aequitas Law Partners, we understand the seriousness, sensitivity and urgency that characterize white collar crime matters. Our legal strategies are grounded in deep knowledge of criminal law, regulatory regimes and litigation tactics, delivered with discretion and agility. Our strength lies in offering integrated support across defense, compliance and governance, helping clients protect their business and personal interests in challenging legal circumstances. We also work closely with experts in forensics, media and crisis response to provide holistic solutions that go beyond courtroom defense. With Aequitas Law Partners, clients facing white collar allegations can rely on a committed, capable and trustworthy legal partner to navigate legal exposure with clarity and confidence.

Aequitas Law Partners | Corporate & Startup Legal Services | Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore