"Nadesh is a brilliant advocate. His closing speeches hit the mark, and both the jury and the judge sit up and listen" Legal 500 2025 (Crime)
Overview
An impressive junior with ability beyond his call, Nadesh accepts instructions in all areas of Chambers’ work, specialising in crime and public law.
Corporate and Financial Crime
Instructed by both businesses and individuals, Nadesh has a keen interest in corporate and financial crime, having previously spent time working at Deutsche Bank. He has been instructed on multiple occasions to represent directors of companies both as a junior alone and led counsel.
Crime
A polished and persuasive advocate, whether prosecuting or defending, acting alone or as a led junior Nadesh is a sought-after advocate, well-liked by Judges and juries. Nadesh is developing a practice with particular emphasis on serious crime, having been instructed in various multi-handed cases including cases concerning money laundering, trafficking, drugs and murder.
Regulatory
Nadesh presents and defends in regulatory matters, both at Tribunal level and in the High Court. His meticulous approach combined with incisive cross-examination and persuasive advocacy has garnered him praise from opponents and those instructing.
Public Law
During his time in Chambers Nadesh has built up an enviable practice in public law for someone of his call. He has a broad experience of Public Law, with particular experience in Public Inquiry work, having been instructed in IICSA, UCPI and the Grenfell Inquiries.
Reviews
Legal 500 2025: Crime – Tier 4
"Nadesh is a brilliant advocate. His closing speeches hit the mark, and both the jury and the judge sit up and listen" Legal 500 Crime (2025)
Appointments
- CPS External Advocates Panel Grade 3
- Approved NMC Counsel
- Accredited to undertake cases involving Vulnerable Witnesses
- Accredited to undertake Youth Court cases
- CPS Extradition Panel Grade 1
Professional Memberships
- Young Fraud Lawyers Association
- Criminal Bar Association
Education
- BPTC, City Law School (Outstanding)
- LLM: specialising in litigation and dispute resolution, UCL (Distinction)
- Law LLB (Hons), University of Bristol
- Hubert Greenland Scholarship – Lincoln’s Inn (2015)
- Buchannan Prize – Lincoln’s Inn (2014)
- Thomas More Bursary – Lincoln’s Inn (2013)
Recent Cases
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David Spens KC and Nadesh Karu represented Mr X, the second Defendant, who along with a number of others was accused of conspiring to traffic women for sexual exploitation and control prostitution for gain. It was alleged that the organised crime group ...
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Twelve Just Stop Oil Protestors who conducted a protest on the M25 causing it to shut down on 4 separate days were committed for contempt of Court, having breached an injunction by conducting the protest.Nadesh represented three of the twelve Defendants i...
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The second officer in a separate car also responding to the 999 call convicted of careless driving. Jocelyn Ledward leading Nadesh Karu for the Prosecution.PCs Patel and Thomson drove in excess of 70MPH on Stockwell Road (a 30MPH road) when responding to ...
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...
Nadesh secured the acquittal of a Defendant charged with possession of ammunition (24 bullets of varying description). The defence, under s.45 Modern Slavery Act 2015, was that he had been forced to take possession and hide the ammunition by a senior ga...
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...
Nadesh represented the first of three defendants, all charged with kidnap and false imprisonment. The prosecution's case was that the Defendants had forced the complainant into a car and taken him to various addresses around London, where he was held aga...
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...
Nadesh is representing two of 6 defendants in what is understood to be the first trial concerning the new statutory offence of public nuisance. The case involves 6 Just Stop Oil Protestors who are alleged to have invaded the Silverstone race track during...
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...
Crispin and Nadesh defend a teenager said to have “lionised Hitler” and who allegedly believed he was part of a race war against “totalitarian” liberal democracy. The Defendant was said to have carried out “hostile reconnaiss...
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...
Successful appeal against sentence in Court of Appeal (Criminal Division). Nadesh persuaded the Court of Appeal that the sentence imposed in the Crown Court was manifestly excessive. The Court reduced the sentence by 20%, allowing Mr Matthews to be eligib...
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...
Successful abuse of process argument – indictment stayed. Nadesh’s client was charged on a 10 count indictment in respect of making indecent images and voyeurism. Nadesh persuaded the Court that all these matters could have been charged prior ...
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...
Dozens of former subpostmasters appealed against their convictions for theft, fraud and false accounting, they claim was due to computing errors. Zoe Johnson QC represented the Post Office at the hearing having been engaged to review and consider decision...
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...
Nadesh represented the care home at which Mr Timothy resided at the time of his death. The Inquest focused on the actions of one of the care home employees, who left Mr Timothy alone in the residence and did not perform CPR upon finding Mr Timothy hanging...
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Nadesh represented the son of a prominent MP, in the preliminary proceedings of his case concerning assaults on police officers at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in November 2019.The allegations were widely reported: The Times ...
...Nadesh secures suspended sentence for employee that defrauded law firm of over £150,000.The Defendant was the office and IT support manager in an international, band 1 law firm. He pleaded guilty to defrauding the company of over £150,000 by stealing equi...
...Suspended sentence for contempt (filming and livestreaming during murder trial).The Solicitor General brought proceedings against DM in the High Court arising out of DM having filmed and livestreamed on Facebook a video taken during a murder trial which w...
...A fraudster who spent over £100,000 in 20 days and then attempted to resist arrest by using ammonia to assault a police officer was sentenced on 15th August at Inner London Crown Court. Jovan Stanley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and assault (us...
...Successful submission of no case to answer in modern slavery case.
...Prosecution of double murder and attempted murder.
...The victim of the attack is the son of one of the defendants.
...Sentence for misconduct in public office more than halved by the CoA.
...Nadesh successfully prosecuted V and K who were convicted of murder and s.18, respectively.
...Nadesh Karu successfully applied to the High Court to extend the suspension of a dentist.
...Multi-handed money laundering acquittal
...Nadesh Karu successfully defended 'B' accused of harassing his ex partner.
...Nadesh successfully secured the acquittal of his client charged with threatening an individual with a bladed article.
...Paul Wakerly and Nadesh Karu Defend the oldest defendant in English legal history - historic sexual abuse.
...Defendant acquitted of sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub after a submission of no case to answer at the close of the prosecution case.
...Susannah Stevens assisted by Nadesh Karu successfully applied for a judicial review of the IPCC’s handling of a complaint made against them by a Metropolitan Police Federation Representative.
...Susannah Stevens assisted by Nadesh Karu acted on behalf of a Police Federation Representative who successfully challenged the IPCC’s investigation into his complaints about their conduct.
...Nadesh Secured an acquittal for a youth charged with going equipped for theft.
...Nadesh represented D who pleaded guilty to 4 counts relating to possession of thousands of indecent images.
News
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Dozens of former subpostmasters appealed against their convictions for theft, fraud and false accounting, they claim was due to computing errors. Zoe Johnson QC represented the Post Office at the hearing having been engaged to review and consider decision...
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...
Nadesh Karu and Anti-Slavery International’s Klara Skrivankova jointly write for the Law Society Gazette on the sad reality of prosecuting victims of human trafficking.
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Nadesh represented the first defendant of four (previously five) at trial at Isleworth Crown Court. The Defendants were charged with acquiring criminal property, having been found with approximately £30,000 in cash between them. The prosecution case was t...
Articles
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Considering the admissibility of the Single Competent Authority's decision at trialWhere a Defendant is relying on the modern slavery defence under s.45 Modern Slavery Act 2015 (“MSA”) one frequent issue between Prosecution and Defence is whet...
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Since the Modern Slavery Act 2015 was passed, cases concerning trafficking and modern slavery seem to have sharply increased in frequency. In particular, the issue of defendants themselves claiming to be victims of trafficking and slavery has been thrown ...
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Assault by Cough or Transferred Malady? The CPS Approach to Those Coughing on Key Workers and Others
There has been great public interest in the prosecution of persons who have threatened to endanger the lives of others using the general fears around the public health emergency. Read more
Nadesh Karu examines Frank Field MP, Maria Miller MP and Baroness Butler-Sloss' 2nd interim report into their review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Corporate and Financial Crime
Nadesh has a keen interest in corporate and financial crime and is regularly instructed by both businesses and individuals.
Overview
Nadesh has a keen interest in corporate and financial crime, having previously spent time working at Deutsche Bank and is regularly instructed by both businesses and individuals. He has experience of high profile matters, such as the appeals of the Post Office prosecutions of sub-postmasters and the allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation at G4S.
Experience
Nadesh has substantial experience in corporate and financial crime, predominantly defending in multi-handed cases, in particular with regard to international fraud and money laundering. He previously represented an individual alleged to be a director of a company involved in the largest counterfeit operation in the world in relation to a billion dollar clothing brand.
Nadesh is regularly instructed on LPP and disclosure reviews; with recent work including being part of the Defence team reviewing disclosure in the SFO’s prosecution of James Jardine that ultimately collapsed due to disclosure failings; the NCA’s investigation into Tory donor Javad Marandi and managing a team of barristers reviewing more than 900 historic prosecutions by the Post Office culminating in a number of convictions being quashed (R v Hamilton and others [2021] 1 Cr. App. R. 17).
Nadesh has experience of cross-jurisdictional matters; having been involved in multiple cases involving allegations of international bribery and corruption, including the investigation into Glencore.
In 2016-17 Nadesh spent time working with Deutsche Bank’s Anti-Bribery, Fraud and Corruption team, advising on multi-million pound transactions, investigations and compliance. He is attuned to the practicalities of the business world and the expectations of clients.
Recent Cases
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David Spens KC and Nadesh Karu represented Mr X, the second Defendant, who along with a number of others was accused of conspiring to traffic women for sexual exploitation and control prostitution for gain. It was alleged that the organised crime group ...
-
Dozens of former subpostmasters appealed against their convictions for theft, fraud and false accounting, they claim was due to computing errors. Zoe Johnson QC represented the Post Office at the hearing having been engaged to review and consider decision...
-
Nadesh secures suspended sentence for employee that defrauded law firm of over £150,000.The Defendant was the office and IT support manager in an international, band 1 law firm. He pleaded guilty to defrauding the company of over £150,000 by stealing equi...
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A fraudster who spent over £100,000 in 20 days and then attempted to resist arrest by using ammonia to assault a police officer was sentenced on 15th August at Inner London Crown Court. Jovan Stanley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and assault (us...
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Multi-handed money laundering acquittal
News
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Nadesh represented the first defendant of four (previously five) at trial at Isleworth Crown Court. The Defendants were charged with acquiring criminal property, having been found with approximately £30,000 in cash between them. The prosecution case was t...
An extremely promising junior, well regarded amongst his peers and those instructing in both prosecution and defence
Overview
A polished and persuasive advocate, whether prosecuting or defending, acting alone or as a led junior Nadesh is a sought after advocate, well liked by Judges and juries. Nadesh is developing a practice with particular emphasis on serious crime, having been instructed in various multi-handed cases including cases concerning money laundering, trafficking, drugs and murder.
Experience
Nadesh has a wealth of experience in Crown Courts and Magistrates’ Courts across the country, having successfully prosecuted and defended cases in both. When defending Nadesh has a good track record of securing acquittals for clients after trial, both by jury and in the Magistrates’ Court. In addition, on multiple occasions Nadesh’s clients have been acquitted as a result of a submission of no case to answer at the close of the prosecution case. Nadesh also has experience in corporate crime having represented directors charged under the Insolvency Act 1986 and having represented a director charged as part of the largest counterfeiting operation worldwide in relation to a billion-dollar clothing brand.
When prosecuting Nadesh is scrupulously fair and highly effective, with one Judge describing his cross-examination skills as “excellent”.
Nadesh approaches all his cases with detailed analysis and meticulous preparation. This coupled with his knowledge and application of the law to the facts of a given case has allowed him to achieve favourable results and rulings against the odds. Nadesh has been repeatedly sought by those instructing in difficult cases attracting press attention.
He is involved in all aspects of criminal litigation, from providing advice as to charges and evidence to conducting trials and, where necessary, appeals. Nadesh also has experience of acting as a led junior, for example in an 11 handed attempted murder trial and as a disclosure junior (and in fact sole junior counsel) in a multi-handed murder, defending and prosecuting, respectively.
During his pupillage Nadesh assisted other members of Chambers with legal research and the preparation of cases on a diverse range of topics. Of particular note, he assisted members of Chambers with the following: the Heathrow 13 protest case; one of the LIBOR trials and an Attorney General’s Reference to the Court of Appeal and various murder and terrorism trials.
Reviews
Legal 500 2025: Crime – Tier 4
"Nadesh is a brilliant advocate. His closing speeches hit the mark, and both the jury and the judge sit up and listen" Legal 500 Crime (2025)
Recent Cases
-
David Spens KC and Nadesh Karu represented Mr X, the second Defendant, who along with a number of others was accused of conspiring to traffic women for sexual exploitation and control prostitution for gain. It was alleged that the organised crime group ...
-
Twelve Just Stop Oil Protestors who conducted a protest on the M25 causing it to shut down on 4 separate days were committed for contempt of Court, having breached an injunction by conducting the protest.Nadesh represented three of the twelve Defendants i...
-
The second officer in a separate car also responding to the 999 call convicted of careless driving. Jocelyn Ledward leading Nadesh Karu for the Prosecution.PCs Patel and Thomson drove in excess of 70MPH on Stockwell Road (a 30MPH road) when responding to ...
-
Nadesh secured the acquittal of a Defendant charged with possession of ammunition (24 bullets of varying description). The defence, under s.45 Modern Slavery Act 2015, was that he had been forced to take possession and hide the ammunition by a senior ga...
-
Nadesh represented the first of three defendants, all charged with kidnap and false imprisonment. The prosecution's case was that the Defendants had forced the complainant into a car and taken him to various addresses around London, where he was held aga...
-
Nadesh is representing two of 6 defendants in what is understood to be the first trial concerning the new statutory offence of public nuisance. The case involves 6 Just Stop Oil Protestors who are alleged to have invaded the Silverstone race track during...
-
Crispin and Nadesh defend a teenager said to have “lionised Hitler” and who allegedly believed he was part of a race war against “totalitarian” liberal democracy. The Defendant was said to have carried out “hostile reconnaiss...
-
Successful appeal against sentence in Court of Appeal (Criminal Division). Nadesh persuaded the Court of Appeal that the sentence imposed in the Crown Court was manifestly excessive. The Court reduced the sentence by 20%, allowing Mr Matthews to be eligib...
-
Successful abuse of process argument – indictment stayed. Nadesh’s client was charged on a 10 count indictment in respect of making indecent images and voyeurism. Nadesh persuaded the Court that all these matters could have been charged prior ...
-
Dozens of former subpostmasters appealed against their convictions for theft, fraud and false accounting, they claim was due to computing errors. Zoe Johnson QC represented the Post Office at the hearing having been engaged to review and consider decision...
-
Nadesh represented the son of a prominent MP, in the preliminary proceedings of his case concerning assaults on police officers at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in November 2019.The allegations were widely reported: The Times Read more
Nadesh secures suspended sentence for employee that defrauded law firm of over £150,000.The Defendant was the office and IT support manager in an international, band 1 law firm. He pleaded guilty to defrauding the company of over £150,000 by stealing equi...
A fraudster who spent over £100,000 in 20 days and then attempted to resist arrest by using ammonia to assault a police officer was sentenced on 15th August at Inner London Crown Court. Jovan Stanley pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and assault (us...
Successful submission of no case to answer in modern slavery case.
Prosecution of double murder and attempted murder.
The victim of the attack is the son of one of the defendants.
Sentence for misconduct in public office more than halved by the CoA.
Nadesh successfully prosecuted V and K who were convicted of murder and s.18, respectively.
Nadesh secured the acquittal of H who was alleged to have committed affray and threatened another individual with a knife.
Nadesh successfully defended J who was charged with two counts of burglary.
Multi-handed money laundering acquittal
Nadesh Karu successfully defended 'B' accused of harassing his ex partner.
Nadesh successfully secured the acquittal of his client charged with threatening an individual with a bladed article.
Paul Wakerly and Nadesh Karu Defend the oldest defendant in English legal history - historic sexual abuse.
Defendant acquitted of sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub after a submission of no case to answer at the close of the prosecution case.
Nadesh Secured an acquittal for a youth charged with going equipped for theft.
Nadesh represented D who pleaded guilty to 4 counts relating to possession of thousands of indecent images.
News
-
Considering the admissibility of the Single Competent Authority's decision at trialWhere a Defendant is relying on the modern slavery defence under s.45 Modern Slavery Act 2015 (“MSA”) one frequent issue between Prosecution and Defence is whet...
Articles
-
Considering the admissibility of the Single Competent Authority's decision at trialWhere a Defendant is relying on the modern slavery defence under s.45 Modern Slavery Act 2015 (“MSA”) one frequent issue between Prosecution and Defence is whet...
-
Since the Modern Slavery Act 2015 was passed, cases concerning trafficking and modern slavery seem to have sharply increased in frequency. In particular, the issue of defendants themselves claiming to be victims of trafficking and slavery has been thrown ...
-
Assault by Cough or Transferred Malady? The CPS Approach to Those Coughing on Key Workers and Others
There has been great public interest in the prosecution of persons who have threatened to endanger the lives of others using the general fears around the public health emergency. View article
Regulatory
A junior using the advocacy skills he has gleaned in the criminal court system to great effect in professional regulation.
Overview
Nadesh presents and defends in regulatory matters, both at Tribunal level and in the High Court. His meticulous approach combined with incisive cross-examination and persuasive advocacy has garnered him praise from opponents and those instructing.
Experience
Nadesh has particular experience acting for Regulators both in the High Court and at the final hearing stage before Fitness to Practise Committees.
Due to his experience in the Criminal Courts, Nadesh is also frequently instructed on behalf of Regulators to privately prosecute individuals.
He has also assisted members of Chambers with regulatory matters (e.g. Khan v General Pharmaceutical Council, heard by the Supreme Court), inquests and inquiries (including the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse). This included assisting Tom Kark QC in his review of the effectiveness and operation of the fit and proper person test as it is applied within the NHS. The Review was ordered by the Minister for Health and Social Care Security.
Recent Cases
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Nadesh Karu successfully applied to the High Court to extend the suspension of a dentist.
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Susannah Stevens assisted by Nadesh Karu successfully applied for a judicial review of the IPCC’s handling of a complaint made against them by a Metropolitan Police Federation Representative.
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Inquests, Inquiries and Public Law
A junior advocate who is developing a great Public Law practice.
Overview
During his time in Chambers Nadesh has built up an enviable practice in public law for someone of his call. He has a broad experience of Public Law, with particular experience in Public Inquiry work, having been instructed in IICSA, UCPI and the Grenfell Inquiries. He also has experience in Inquests.
Experience
Nadesh has been instructed on the Grenfell Inquiry, the Undercover Policing Inquiry and the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, variously for state and non-state participants. Nadesh also spent some time assisting Tom Kark QC in his review of the effectiveness and operation of the fit and proper person test as it is applied within the NHS. The Review was ordered by the Minister for Health and Social Care Security.
His ability to quickly get on top of a brief and get to grips with complex issues has helped him ensure when acting for claimants they receive proper disclosure. He also has experience of legal professional privilege and public interest immunity in the context of judicial review.
Nadesh has also been frequently instructed by the Home Office in relation to disclosure issues and reviewing classified material.
He has a keen interest in inquests, having acted and assisted in Inquests relating to variously: a death in a care home, deaths arising from the Westminster Bridge terrorist attack and a death of a soldier from friendly fire.
In respect of Judicial Review proceedings, Nadesh has experience from the pre-action stage right through to the final hearing. He secured the repatriation of two Albanian prisoners who, prior to Nadesh’s involvement, had been trying for years to be repatriated to Albania to serve the remainder of their sentences there.
He has been led in judicial review proceedings, notably successfully judicially reviewing the Independent Police Complaints Commission’s (now the IOPC) handling of a complaint made against them by a Metropolitan Police Federation Representative.
Prior to joining Chambers Nadesh assisted Mr Justice Hickinbottom (as he then was) with cases in the High Court and Court of Appeal (Criminal Division).
Recent Cases
-
Dozens of former subpostmasters appealed against their convictions for theft, fraud and false accounting, they claim was due to computing errors. Zoe Johnson QC represented the Post Office at the hearing having been engaged to review and consider decision...
-
Nadesh represented the care home at which Mr Timothy resided at the time of his death. The Inquest focused on the actions of one of the care home employees, who left Mr Timothy alone in the residence and did not perform CPR upon finding Mr Timothy hanging...
-
Suspended sentence for contempt (filming and livestreaming during murder trial).The Solicitor General brought proceedings against DM in the High Court arising out of DM having filmed and livestreamed on Facebook a video taken during a murder trial which w...
-
Susannah Stevens assisted by Nadesh Karu successfully applied for a judicial review of the IPCC’s handling of a complaint made against them by a Metropolitan Police Federation Representative.
-
Susannah Stevens assisted by Nadesh Karu acted on behalf of a Police Federation Representative who successfully challenged the IPCC’s investigation into his complaints about their conduct.
News
-
Nadesh Karu and Anti-Slavery International’s Klara Skrivankova jointly write for the Law Society Gazette on the sad reality of prosecuting victims of human trafficking.
Articles
-
Considering the admissibility of the Single Competent Authority's decision at trialWhere a Defendant is relying on the modern slavery defence under s.45 Modern Slavery Act 2015 (“MSA”) one frequent issue between Prosecution and Defence is whet...
-
Nadesh Karu examines Frank Field MP, Maria Miller MP and Baroness Butler-Sloss' 2nd interim report into their review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
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