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George Kampanella is a Partner at Taylor Rose and Head of the firm's Business Crime & Regulatory team. With over two decades of experience, he is one of the leading practitioners in his field, advising individuals and organisations facing some of the most serious and complex investigations in the legal system. George is a recognised specialist in business crime, fraud, and regulatory matters, and brings a level of depth and focus to this work that is rarely found outside the most specialist practices.
Experience and expertise
George's practice spans the full spectrum of business crime and regulatory law, from white-collar fraud and financial crime through to regulatory investigations, professional discipline, and asset recovery. He has acted for senior executives, professionals, and corporate clients across a wide range of sectors, guiding them through police investigations, prosecutions, and regulatory proceedings at every stage. His background includes extensive experience challenging the conduct of investigators, including landmark arguments around Legal Professional Privilege and achieving outcomes that protect both his clients' liberty and their professional reputations.
George's clients consistently describe him as someone who makes the complex feel manageable. He takes the time to understand not just the legal issues, but the personal and commercial high stakes involved, and he communicates clearly and directly throughout, without the jargon. He is known for his strategic thinking, remaining calm under pressure, and his determination to find every available avenue to protect his clients' interests. For George, effective representation means being not just a skilled lawyer, but a trusted adviser at the most difficult moments.
Notable instructions
Cross-border money laundering - advised a client in connection with a $2.2 billion operation which had become known as the Azerbaijani Laundromat ran between 2012 and 2014. Institutions including the Azerbaijani government and the state-owned International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA)
Extradition/ Interpol - acted for an individual wanted in connection with the billion-dollar 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) sovereign wealth fund scandal. Several individuals had been identified by Malaysian and US investigators as being central figures in the alleged theft of about $4.5bn from 1MDB.
Serious Fraud - Instructed in connection with a Fraud claim for misappropriation of funds - represented a former Premier League Football team Manager, under investigation regarding the fraudulent misappropriation of a local authority loan said to have exceeded £12million. Authorities also investigated allegations of bribery and corruption at local councillor level. At the investigation stage the case involved complex issues surrounding legal privilege, forensic accounting and applications made by the police in relation to the disclosure of High Court civil material.
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) - confiscation proceedings, successfully opposing an application by the Crown to activate a five-year default sentence against a client serving a custodial sentence.
Mortgage fraud - acted for a director of a company believed to be involved in a high value mortgage fraud. Case involved sourcing the services of an independent voice recognition expert. This case also involved handling stolen goods obtained through fraud, including high value watches; Rolex, Cartier, Patek Philip.
Complex Fraud - Instructed in connection with a Fraud claim against director for allegedly misleading investors - acted for a director prosecuted by the Serious and Complex Crime Division of the Crown Prosecution Service for alleged “high yield” investment scheme fraud. The investigation was not just confined to the UK, but extended to the USA, where the FBI became involved. Total value of the alleged fraud: £68 million (Circa)
Perverting the Course of Justice - Instructed by a professional facing prosecution under Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 for alleged failure to provide driver details, involving ancillary risk of proceedings for perverting the course of justice.
Money Laundering - Acted for an individual subject to a police investigation, advising in connection with a request to waive Legal Professional Privilege over material recovered from a co-defendant's device.
Regulatory/ Fraud - Instructed by a banking professional in connection with a pre-investigation matter involving potential allegations of fraud, providing pre-interview advice and regulatory compliance guidance.
Health & Safety - Acted for a company in connection with serious Health & Safety breaches concerning Working from Height regulations, defending allegations brought under the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Food Safety - Advising in connection with a regulatory investigation by the Food Safety Agency, acting for a client in the food industry sector.
Appointments - Lead Investigator, Independent Authority Against Corruption (Cyprus) on a number of ongoing investigations.
Accreditations & Memberships
George holds Higher Rights of Audience in all Criminal Courts, is Law Society Accredited in Criminal Litigation, and is a member of the International Bar Association (IBA).
Outside of work
Outside the office, George is committed to staying active and enjoys scuba diving and swimming whenever the opportunity arises. Keeping fit is a constant, whether in the pool or the gym.
George has over 28 years of qualified experience.
Use the contact information below to contact George or one of their colleagues.
For general enquiries, use the contact form or information at the bottom of the page
...and surrounding areas. We can also travel or arrange video meetings.
Release Under Investigation
Find out what it means if you are released under investigation, what you should do and other implications....
Conspiracy to defraud - lawyer guide
Conspiracy to defraud is a serious offence with potentially life-changing consequences....
Bribery and corruption - risks for your business and directors
The Bribery Act 2010 outlines various offences and potential consequences for individuals and organisations....
How to react if you are asked to attend a police interview under caution?
Find out about your rights if you are asked to attend a police interview....
The Gift That Cost Everything
Tainted gifts are one of the most misunderstood and costly parts of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). Many clients come to us believing that a gift made years ago, or a transfer between family members, is beyond the reach of the authorities. ...
Case Study: Financial Regulation Investigation – Money Laundering, Fraud & Financial Crime
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Case Study: Director Disqualification Defence – Acting as a Director While Disqualified
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