Private Prosecutions | Investigation Services

GSA provides independent, intelligence-led private prosecution services to organisations and private clients seeking a decisive legal response to serious criminal wrongdoing. Where public prosecution is delayed, declined, or impractical, private prosecutions offer a lawful and effective route to accountability, recovery, and deterrence.

Our investigations are conducted to the evidential standards required by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the criminal courts. Working closely with specialist criminal counsel, GSA gathers, preserves, and analyses admissible evidence, supports disclosure obligations, and prepares prosecution-ready case files. We manage the process with discretion, proportionality, and robust governance, ensuring proceedings are legally sound, fair, and defensible. Private prosecutions are commonly pursued in matters involving fraud, financial crime, theft, safeguarding failures, misconduct, corruption, and complex organisational harm.

Private Prosecution Case Assessment & Viability Review

GSA conducts early-stage private prosecution viability assessments to determine whether a case meets the evidential and public interest tests required to proceed. We review available evidence, identify gaps, assess legal thresholds, and advise on proportionality, risks, costs, and likely outcomes. This initial stage ensures clients proceed with clarity and confidence before committing to formal action.

Criminal Investigation & Evidence Development

GSA undertakes thorough criminal investigations to support private prosecutions, including witness interviews, document and data review, financial analysis, OSINT and digital investigations, and intelligence-led enquiries. Evidence is gathered and preserved in accordance with criminal procedure requirements to ensure admissibility and integrity. Our approach is structured, methodical, and aligned with prosecutorial standards from the outset.

Case File Preparation & CPS Standard Compliance

We prepare prosecution-ready case files that meet CPS evidential and disclosure standards, enabling counsel to progress matters efficiently and confidently. This includes schedules of evidence, witness statements, disclosure documentation, and structured case summaries. GSA works closely with legal teams to ensure files are court-ready and capable of withstanding scrutiny.

Asset Tracing & Financial Recovery Support

Where appropriate, GSA supports private prosecutions with asset tracing and financial investigations, helping identify proceeds of crime and support recovery strategies. This is particularly relevant in fraud, theft, and financial crime cases where restitution and deterrence are key objectives.

Sensitive, High-Risk & Safeguarding Cases

GSA has extensive experience managing sensitive and high-risk private prosecutions, including those involving safeguarding concerns, vulnerable individuals, reputational exposure, or complex organisational dynamics. We apply a trauma-informed, proportionate approach, balancing legal robustness with duty of care and reputational protection.

Disclosure Management & Governance

Private prosecutions carry strict disclosure obligations. GSA manages disclosure processes diligently, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with criminal procedure rules. Our governance framework reduces legal risk, protects client credibility, and safeguards the integrity of proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a private prosecution?

A private prosecution is a lawful criminal prosecution brought by an individual or organisation rather than the state. In England and Wales, the right to bring a private prosecution is preserved under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, provided the case meets evidential and public interest tests and is conducted fairly.

How long does a private prosecution take?

Timescales vary depending on complexity, evidence availability, and court processes. Initial viability assessments can be completed quickly, while full investigations and proceedings may take several months. GSA provides clear timelines and regular updates throughout.

Are private prosecutions confidential?

Yes. Private prosecutions are handled with strict confidentiality, particularly in the early stages. GSA applies robust information control, governance, and discretion to protect clients, witnesses, and organisational reputation.