Maya Paunrana

Maya Paunrana concentrates her practice in white collar crime and regulatory defence work. She acts on behalf of both corporates and individuals in relation to multi-jurisdictional investigations into bribery and corruption, fraud, and money laundering investigations, as well as prosecutions conducted by the SFO, HMRC, the FCA, and the CPS.

In addition, she conducts internal investigations on behalf of corporate clients seeking to minimise their exposure to business risk.

Maya also provides advice on money laundering regulations and financial sanctions, in relation to both compliance and enforcement.

Focus Areas

Experience

Individuals employed by a multinational investment bank in an investigation being conducted in the US and UK into the bank's alleged involvement in a multi-million dollar fraud.
Current and formers employees of a major oil company regarding ongoing multi-country bribery and corruption investigation by the DOJ and SFO.
Individual investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to a breach of Individual Conduct Rules as part of the Senior Manager Regime, as well as assisting with a concurrent US investigation.
Retail management company in respect of an internal investigation into potential breaches of Russia-related sanctions, including disclosure to OFSI.
GlaxoSmithKline as part of the team instructed as lead criminal advisers in respect of the company's ongoing investigation by the SFO.

Senior executive at a major retail bank in relation to a SFO investigation into fraud and false accounting following a whistleblowing incident.
Individuals involved as either suspects or witnesses in a number of high profile SFO investigations, criminal proceedings brought by HMRC, and confiscation proceedings.
Acted for a defendant in the largest individual prosecution of "boiler room" fraud brought by the SFO.*

*Reflects experience at previous employer, another leading international law firm, while residing in its London office.

Corporates in relation to compliance with the Bribery Act 2010 and Money Laundering Regulations, including conducting risk assessments and reviewing policies and procedures.
Distribution company on sanctions compliance, including conducting risk assessments and reviewing policies and procedures, including providing training.
Mining company in respect of bribery and corruption due diligence as part of a proposed transaction.

Three children and their mother in securing the regularised immigration status after they fled Nigeria for the UK. This was in collaboration with Kids in Need of Defense UK (KIND), the preeminent non-governmental organisation devoted to the legal protection of unaccompanied children in immigration proceedings.
A father seeking to re-establish contact with his estranged young child by providing general legal support regarding ongoing complex family law proceedings.
An individual regarding an ongoing criminal investigation concerning allegations of sexual assault.