Financial Senior Crown Counsel

Role Summary

To review and prosecute financial crimes, supporting the Director of Public Prosecutions in ensuring the implementation and compliance with the 40 Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force. Oversee the prosecution of criminal conduct offenses related to asset recovery, including confiscation, restraint, detention, and forfeiture. Additionally, assist the Director in reviewing and updating policies on financial investigations, prosecution of legal entities, asset forfeiture, and other related matters.

Role Responsibilities 

1. Prosecute and serve as lead Counsel in financial criminal matters, asset forfeiture in all Courts.
2. Review, advise and vet all case files that are submitted by the Financial Crime Unit of the RVIPF, the Financial Investigation Agency and the International Tax Authority.
3. Assist the Director of Public Prosecutions in the preparation and review of policies that directly relate to the implementation and compliance with the 40 Recommendations.
4. Advise the Director of Public Prosecutions of any lacunas and necessary amendments to any criminal legislation that directly impacts the prosecution of financial criminal offences and asset recovery; and prepare drafting offences.
5. Assist the Director of Public Prosecutions in planning training initiative for Law Enforcement Agencies in Financial crimes, and asset forfeiture.
6. Appear in all Court applications concerning asset forfeiture.
7. Complete a minimum of 60 Essential Learning Hours annually to enhance professional knowledge and skills.
8. Perform any other related duties as required by the Director of Public Prosecutions or any other senior officer in order to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Office.

Note: This post also attracts Allowances (Housing Allowance, Traveling Allowance,
Telecommunications Allowance, Specialisation Allowance, Gratuity (for contractual appointment) 20%) totaling $37,936.80

Additional Allowances will be applied for BVIslanders.
Applicants must be a barrister with a Bar Practitioner Training Certificate or a Certificate of Legal Education and have prosecutorial experience (including Financial Crime) of at least 7 years

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified Barrister with a Certificate of Legal Education

                                    OR

• Bar Professional Training Course Certificate (BPTC) or equivalent from a Commonwealth Jurisdiction.
• Experience in Financial Action Task Force 40 Recommendations
• Admitted to the BVI Bar or the Bar of England and Wales or of the Commonwealth
• Seven (7) years’ post qualification in Criminal Litigation
• Practiced actively in Criminal Litigation within the past five (5) years
• One (1) to two (2) years’ experience conducting Criminal Trials in the High Court
• Four (4) years’ experience in the Summary Court

Knowledge & Skills

• Expert knowledge of the Financial Action Task Force 40 Recommendations and FATF Methodology
• Excellent knowledge in criminal litigation procedures and Court procedures
• Substantial to excellent knowledge in conducting criminal prosecutions in Summary Court, and High Court
• Ability to interpret legislation
• Expert in writing legal correspondence and submissions
• Proven knowledge in Criminal Law
• Sound knowledge in Proceeds of Criminal Conduct, Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing, and asset recovery
• Sound analytical, negotiating and conferencing skills
• Proven knowledge in legal research
• Sound public speaking skills
• Ability to work under high-pressure circumstances
• Sound knowledge of the use of standard office equipment including data basis and word processing