Gabriele Watts accepts a broad range of instructions covering both defence and prosecution work. She appears in complex and high-profile cases, and has acted for professionals, High Net Worth individuals, and politicians as well as companies and professional associations. Gabriele is also regularly instructed to provide advice in sensitive matters that involve strategic and multi-jurisdictional considerations, including internationally. She is known for her highly driven and determined character, as well as her sound judgement, forensic mind and strong advocacy.
Gabriele has a diverse practice, ranging from serious crime including firearms, drugs (importation, cultivation and supply), and serious violence to business crime involving sophisticated money laundering operations, high-value fraud, insider dealing, asset forfeiture and bribery and corruption. She is frequently instructed in nuanced and document-heavy cases raising complex issues of facts and law, and advises on these matters.
Gabriele also engages in international developmental work and has advised internationally on a number of areas, including bribery and corruption. She has worked alongside prosecutors from The Hague and former British judges of the International Criminal Court to deliver assistance and training to State bodies in the West Balkans. She also speaks a number of languages.
She also frequently appears in inquests, and has acted for families of the deceased, corporate bodies, hospital trusts, as well as individual medical professionals such as doctors, psychiatrists and surgeons. This includes acting in complex Article 2 and jury inquests. Gabriele was also involved in the Post Office Inquiry and the Thirlwall Inquiry.
Gabriele also applies her experience to the area of sports regulation and has appeared before Regulatory Commissions and Appeal Boards.
Before coming to the Bar, Gabriele worked at the Serious Fraud Office where she worked on a number of cases involving serious and complex fraud, as well as international bribery and corruption spanning multiple jurisdictions and involving engagement with the Financial Conduct Authority, the National Crime Agency, and enforcement agencies abroad such as the US Department of Justice. She carries this experience in her current practice, providing her with a strategic and tactical edge when acting for individuals that have been the subject of investigations by these agencies.
Outside her practice, she writes articles and has lectured at the London School of Economics and Political Sciences on the LLM Financial Crime course, including on Artificial Intelligence, Cryptocurrencies, Deferred Prosecution Agreements, and Unexplained Wealth Orders. She is also on the contributory panel of the Lloyds Law Reports.
FCA v MW
Christopher Coltart KC and Gabriele Watts acted for a former City trader charged with multiple counts of insider dealing. Following detailed mitigation and negotiations with the FCA, the court imposed a suspended sentence with an unpaid work requirement.
R v AM
David Whittaker KC and Gabriele Watts acted for daughter of the ENRC Founder, who had her SFO conviction overturned at Southwark Crown Court. Discussions were launched with the SFO, and an appeal was lodged. Although arguments of improper motive and bias would have been advanced had the appeal been heard, the SFO offered no evidence after recognising the forceful grounds upon which the appeal was being pursued, and her conviction was quashed.
HMRC v RS
Acted for HMRC regarding an Account Freezing Order. The case spanned multiple jurisdictions, including the Middle East. It involved overseas enquires and investigations. It was linked to what was suspected to be a sophisticated trade-based money laundering operation, which involved the misrepresentation of imports and exports, including ‘phantom shipments’ where no product is moved. Millions of dollars were moved using a network of offshore companies and officials to facilitate the operation. An agreement was reached between the parties.
R v RM
Prosecuted multiple counts of fraud by false representation, involving multiple victims at Isleworth Crown Court. The defendant approached the victims and secured investment into a scheme, which he purported to operate. This included the presentations of false contracts, investment statements, banking documentation, loans and later intimidating messages. Following discussions between the Crown and the defence, the defendant pleaded and was later sentenced.
R v FS
Acted for a dentist who was accused of five counts of fraud by abuse of position against the NHS, amounting to over £100,000. She was alleged to have made thousands of false claims to the NHS. The case involved over 40,000 pages of complex documentary evidence. The case is ongoing.
R v SK
The case concerns fraud by false representation involving complex investigations requiring expert reports, intricate legal analysis and robust submissions to the Crown. The case is ongoing.
R v AH
Defended in a large counterfeit trading case at Bolton Crown Court. The case concerned trading of counterfeit premier league and other sports branded goods, resulting in hundreds of thousands of pounds. Following a guilty plea, the defendant was handed a suspended sentence.
R v ME
Jonathan Laidlaw KC and Gabriele Watts acted for the first defendant who was a high-net-worth businessman and son-in-law of the late Harrods owner. The complainant alleged that he had been robbed by his brother-in-law, sister and two security guards. The incident was alleged to have taken place at their family home and the allegation had already been the subject of high-profile civil litigation that settled before the criminal proceedings began. Following an application to stay the case as an abuse of process, the CPS offered no evidence, and not guilty verdicts were returned.
R v KD
Represented a defendant charged with false imprisonment, non-fatal suffocation and assault at Isleworth Crown Court. He was charged on a joint-enterprise basis. The defendant was a man of good character, and the defence case throughout was that KD had been a witness to the incident and had consistently provided a full and detailed account at every opportunity, denying his involvement in any criminal offences. Following written and oral submissions at Court, the Judge directed the CPS to conduct a full review of the case. The CPS offered no evidence, and the defendant was acquitted.
R v FD
Represented a defendant charged with importation of drugs from Thailand with a street value of over £400,000. He was intercepted at Heathrow Airport. The defence engaged in enquiries of an international scale to identify evidence in support of the defendant. He pleaded guilty, after which strong written and oral submissions were made. The defendant was sentenced to 4 months suspended for 12 months with no conditions. The Judge recognised that the course he was taking in passing this sentence was “exceptional”.
R v AL
Represented the first defendant in a joint enterprise at Isleworth Crown Court. The case concerned a nine-count indictment, which included multiple counts of armed robbery, section 18 (GBH), and firearms. Successful half time submissions were made in relation to the section 18 and firearms, and the defendant was acquitted of all remaining counts barring one robbery.
R v XX
Represented a former senior civil servant charged with racially aggravated assault. The defendant pleaded guilty, but following submissions the court agreed to use their discretion to step outside the sentencing guidelines and issued a fine.
R v SB
Defended in a joint-enterprise robbery at Harrow Crown Court. Following cross examination of the complainant, a number of weaknesses in the case were exposed that had significantly undermined the prosecution’s case. The trial was stopped, and the defendant was acquitted.
R v SA
Defended in a multi-handed ten count indictment concerning possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Following proactive engagement by the defence and a further review by the Crown, no evidence was offered on all Counts. The defendant was formally acquitted and released from custody.
R v MG
Defended in a multi-handed conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B and possession of criminal property at Inner London Crown Court. The case was listed for a 2-day Newton hearing. A man collapsed and died, and the cause of death was believed to be consumption of drugs. An investigation was launched, and a large drugs line was discovered, including large quantities of cash. The defendant later abandoned the Newton hearing on the day but 20% credit was still secured. He was sentenced to 4 years 6 months in prison despite a finding of “significant role” (and category 2 harm).
R v JM
Defended in a section 18 (with section 20 as the alternative), which was alleged to have been committed in a domestic context. The case was transferred from the Central Criminal Court to Isleworth Crown Court and later sat in the Nightingale Court at the Barbican. Following a week-long trial, the defendant was acquitted of all counts.
R v FS
Acted for a dentist who was accused of five counts of fraud by abuse of position against the NHS amounting to over £100,000. She was alleged to have made thousands of false claims to the NHS. The case involved over 40,000 pages of complex documentary evidence. Case also involves navigating highly personal and regulatory matters. The case is ongoing.
R v OO
The case concerns a doctor who is accused of controlling and coercive behaviour, stalking, putting a person in fear of violence by harassment and drugs. Naturally, regulatory matters also come into play. The case is ongoing.
R v SK
The case concerns fraud by false representation involving complex investigations requiring expert reports, intricate legal analysis and robust submissions to the Crown. The case is ongoing.
R v MC
This concerned an appeal against a Stalking Prevention Order at St Albans Crown Court against a senior banking executive. Following strong oral submissions at Court and discussions with the Crown and the police, the Crown offered no evidence and the Order was lifted. A full Defence Costs Order was granted.
R v AT
Acted for the defendant at Snaresbrook Crown Court in a case involving multiple counts of blackmail.
NCA v FA
Represented a defendant charged with the importation of drugs from Thailand with a street value of over £450,000. He was intercepted at Heathrow Airport. The defendant pleaded guilty and was subsequently sentenced taking into account his difficult circumstances.
Inquest into the death of PUA
Represented the family of a 12-year-old girl who collapsed following a severe asthma attack, which led her to go into a cardiac arrest at school. She later died at hospital. The conduct of the school was investigated, and evidence was heard from school staff, the emergency services and other medical professionals.
Inquest into the death of DS
Represented the medical practice in circumstances where a man died suddenly. No adverse findings or comments were made against the medical practice, and he was found to have ultimately died of natural causes against the backdrop of a history of ill-health and efforts made by all medical professionals to treat him.
Inquest into the death of BN
Represented a psychiatrist in a jury inquest. The case concerned a death in the context of a highly secure specialist hospital with patients who have complex mental health needs. Article 2 was considered, as well as corporate manslaughter and neglect.
Inquest into the death of RL
Represented a hospital in circumstances where an otherwise healthy man suddenly declined in health and died in their care. Oral submissions were made. Ultimately, no adverse findings were made against the hospital.
Inquest into the death of SA
Represented a corporate client following a sudden death on business premises. No adverse findings were made against the corporate.
Inquest into the death of NDCL
Represented a doctor in an inquest concerning the death of a young man with a history of mental health difficulties and substance abuse. He had significant contact with medical services. Ultimately, no adverse findings were made against the conduct of the doctor.
Inquest into the death of MC
Represented two interested parties – the doctor and, separately, the medical practice. No adverse findings were made against either party, and no acts or omissions were found to have contributed towards MC’s death.
Inquest into the death of JH
Represented a care home in the context of an elderly woman who died after a fall when she was momentarily unsupervised. Questions arose around the conduct of the care home, particularly the placement of certain equipment in the event of an emergency. Ultimately, no adverse findings were made against the care home.
Inquest into the death of ARL
Represented a doctor in circumstances where a former nurse suddenly died following suspension of his role at the hospital. He had significant health issues but was on a programme of medication reduction. The doctor had a close working relationship with the deceased. No adverse findings were made against the doctor.
Bosnia & Kosovo
Worked with state prosecutors and judges, and provided advice and guidance on anti-corruption, bribery and anti-money laundering laws in England and Wales. This included travelling to the West Balkans, such as to Kosovo, to provide training, workshops and mentoring to state prosecutors and judges, as well as leading discussions around business crime, war crimes, and trial processes and procedures.
The work also involved making numerous recommendations to improve and amend the legal framework around tackling bribery, corruption, and money laundering. These recommendations were later accepted and implemented by the Supreme Court in Kosovo.
R v RM
Prosecuted multiple counts of fraud by false representation, involving multiple victims at Isleworth Crown Court. The defendant approached the victims and secured investment into a scheme, which he purported to operate. This included the presentations of false contracts, investment statements, banking documentation, loans and later intimidating messages. Following discussions between the Crown and the defence, the defendant pleaded and was later sentenced.
R v POC
Prosecuted a seven-count indictment, including possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. The case involved multiple victims, with shots fired. The defendant was subsequently sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court.
R v PSS
Prosecuted a serious case of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, threatening to share intimate films or photographs, suffocation, ABH, and other offences. The case had an international angle, which involved liaising with numerous authorities, including Border Control, conducting delicate negotiations, and pursuing multiple lines of enquiry with the police and other organisations. The defendant was subsequently sentenced.
HMRC v RS
Acted for HMRC regarding an Account Freezing Order. The case spanned multiple jurisdictions, including the Middle East. It involved overseas enquiries and investigations. It was linked to what was suspected to be a sophisticated trade-based money laundering operation, which involved the misrepresentation of imports and exports, including ‘phantom shipments’ where no product was moved. Millions of dollars were moved using a network of offshore companies and officials to facilitate the operation. An agreement was reached between the parties.
The FA v Manchester United FC (U19s) and Leeds United AFC (U19s)
Acted on behalf of the FA in this case, which concerned a mass confrontation. The case was designated Non-Standard, as the particular facts of the Misconduct were of a serious and/or unusual nature due to technical area involvement. Written submissions were drafted. The charges were found proven.
The FA v Lincoln City FC
Appeared before the Regulatory Commission in a case where the FA charged Lincoln City FC with two breaches of FA Rule E21, in that they failed to ensure that its spectators and/or its supporters conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and do not use words, or otherwise behave in a way which is improper and/or offensive and/or indecent etc.
The FA v Hull City AFC v Stoke City FC
Acted on behalf of the FA in this case, which concerned a mass confrontation. The case was designated Non-Standard, as the particular facts of the Misconduct were of a serious and/or unusual nature, due to proximity to the crowd. Written submissions were drafted. The charges were found proven.
The FA v Crystal Palace FC v Leeds United FC
Acted on behalf of the FA in this case, which concerned a mass confrontation. Written submissions were drafted. The charges were found proven.
The FA v PB
Appeared before the Regulatory Commission in a case where the FA charged a football coach with two breaches of FA Rule E3.1, in that PB acted in a improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards two Match Officials. Written and oral submissions were made.
The FA v GM
Appeared before the Regulatory Commission in a case where the FA charged a referee with one breach of FA Rule E3.1. in that GM acted in a improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a Match Official, but it was an Aggravated Breach as defined in Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to gender. Written and oral submissions were made.
Bulletin of the International Academy of Financial Crime Litigators:
Horder and G. Watts, The UK’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill (Issue 1, Paris, Summer 2023).
Criminal Law Review:
J. Horder and G. Watts, The Scope of Liability for Failure to Prevent Economic Crime [2021] Crim L.R. Issue 10.
Criminal Law Reform Now:
J. Horder and G. Watts, Senior Corporate Managers’ Criminal Liability for the Crimes of Employees’ or Agents’ in John Child, Jonathan Rogers and Melissa Bone (eds), Criminal Law Reform Now (Oxford: Hart Publishing, forthcoming).
The Encyclopedia of Corruption Law:
J. Horder and G.Watts, The UK Bribery Act 2010, in the Encyclopedia of Corruption Law (Edward Elgar, 2022 – forthcoming).
2 Hare Court
Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025: Strengthening the Serious Crime Prevention Orders Regime. 2025.
Crypto Wallet Freezing Orders and the Fight Against Crime. 2025
Case Note in O’Brien v HM Assistant Coroner for Sefton Knowsley and St Helens [2025] EWHC (Admin).
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