Europe: Criminal Law

When a former HSBC executive was prohibited from working in regulated financial services following a train fare evasion conviction, it demonstrated how conduct outside the workplace can end a successful career. This case serves as a stark warning for solicitors, accountants, financial advisers, healthcare professionals and other regulated individuals about the far-reaching consequences of dishonesty allegations beyond criminal penalties.

Road-safety, policing, legal and eye-care experts have called for stronger action on driver eyesight following a webinar that examined the consequences of drivers continuing to use the road despite serious visual impairment.

Money laundering refers to a process by which criminals make money that has been obtained through illegal activity appear to come from legitimate sources. This is often used by criminal...

Football supporters face increasingly strict policing and surveillance at matches, with 2,460 Football Banning Orders now in place - the highest number in 14 years. Understanding the specific laws and regulations that apply at football grounds can help fans avoid arrests, criminal records, and multi-year bans that can result from seemingly minor incidents.

Accumulating nine penalty points on your driving licence puts you at serious risk of a ban if you commit another offence. Understanding the totting-up system and the legal defences available - including exceptional hardship arguments and procedural challenges - can make the difference between keeping your licence and facing a six-month disqualification.

Türk hukuk doktrininde gizlilik sözleşmeleri, kanunda objektif esaslı noktaları düzenlenmediği için "isimsiz sözleşme" (innominate contract) olarak kabul edilir. Bu sözleşmeler bazen hizmet, vekâlet veya eser sözleşmesi gibi tipik sözleşmelerin bir parçasını oluştururken, bazen de tamamen bağımsız bir hukuki işlem olarak karşımıza çıkar.

In the recent case of FW Aviation (Holdings) 1 Limited v VietJet Aviation Joint Stock Company [2025] EWCA Civ 1458, the Court of Appeal decided that a party who acts contrary to the spirit and purpose of an injunction will not be guilty of criminal contempt. This decision is important for applicants seeking interim injunctive relief as well as respondents opposing any relief.

The European Union (Motor Insurance) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 introduce significant changes to motor insurance requirements in Ireland, expanding claims-history statement obligations and establishing new non-discrimination measures for policyholders moving between EU Member States. Vehicle insurers must now navigate enhanced transparency requirements, standardised claims documentation...

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 introduces sweeping reforms to anti-social behaviour enforcement, including new Respect Orders with criminal sanctions...

On October 1, 2026, the Department of Justice’s National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”) released Directive 26-12 (“Directive”). The Directive reshapes how federal prosecutors approach corporate fraud. Focusing on the priority areas the Fraud Division announced in a previous memorandum authored by Assistant Attorney General, Colin McDonald

The French Anti-Corruption Agency has shifted its enforcement approach, now assessing Sapin 2 compliance breaches at the time of inspection rather than at the time of ruling. For the first time, the AFA has imposed financial penalties on both a company and its chairman, signaling that delayed remedial measures will no longer provide protection from liability.

Italy's new Legislative Decree No. 160/2026 fundamentally reshapes the legal landscape for artificial intelligence systems by introducing criminal liability for security failures and expanding corporate responsibility under the 231 framework. The legislation establishes strict requirements for high-risk AI systems while imposing significant penalties on organizations that fail to implement adequate technical safeguards and human oversight mechanisms. How will businesses need to restructure their AI governan