Dawn raid services

Global dawn raid response and readiness: Protecting your business across multiple jurisdictions.

Rapid support when it matters most

Ogier’s global Dawn Raid team is uniquely positioned to respond to and advise on dawn raids across multiple jurisdictions, with established capabilities in Europe, the Channel Islands and the Caribbean. Our experts have led, managed, and challenged dawn raids across a broad spectrum of regulators and jurisdictions and are ready to assist your business through raids in respect of competition, environmental, financial services and sector-specific authorities.

Our coordinated network ensures your business benefits from seamless support, whether a dawn raid is taking place on a single site or as part of a global coordinated investigation.

What is a dawn raid and what should you expect?

A dawn raid is an unannounced inspection conducted by regulatory or enforcement authorities, typically at the premises of a business or individual suspected of breaching regulatory or competition laws. The aim of a dawn raid is to gather evidence quickly and prevent the destruction or concealment of documents and other relevant information. These raids are often employed by competition authorities, financial regulators, environmental agencies and law enforcement bodies to investigate potential breaches such as anti-competitive conduct, fraud, market abuse or other regulatory offences.

During a dawn raid, the authorities have significant powers to enter and search business and private premises, seize documents and data (including electronic records), and require employees to answer questions on the spot. These powers vary depending on the jurisdiction and the legal basis of the investigation but are usually underpinned by statutory authority or court-issued warrants. Failure to comply with the reasonable requests of the inspection team, or obstructing the process, can result in substantial penalties, including fines and, in some cases, criminal liability. Businesses are therefore advised to have robust procedures and immediate access to legal support when faced with a dawn raid.

Ogier's global dawn raid service

Our clients are often multinationals operating across multiple jurisdictions. That is why we have built a global dawn raid squad - we have you covered when it is needed most. We ensure that the authorities operate only within the scope of their warrant or authority and protect our clients' interests. We help you prepare for and diplomatically manage dawn raids, and to conduct a post raid review to establish any legal exposure or liability, as well as managing any legal proceedings that may follow.

Our dawn raid offering covers four distinct services, and clients can combine those that suit best: 

• review dawn raid policy and conduct staff training

• provide comprehensive tailored procedures and conduct a mock dawn raid

• response squad ready to be on site during a dawn raid

• post-raid review

I am experiencing a dawn raid – what should I do?

If your business is undergoing a dawn raid in one of our six key legal jurisdictions, get in touch immediately with a member of our global response team (see the key contacts below), depending on where your office is based. A member of our team will be ready to assist you. The key contacts below 

We have published a high-level briefing on what to do in a dawn raid situation, and who to contact at Ogier, which you can download and share with relevant staff members. You can find it below.

How Ogier can help

Ogier's regulatory experts can guide you to ensure your business or investments are in line with regulatory developments. Our Funds and Corporate teams understand your businesses and can help with day to day regulatory advice. When issues arise or regulators get involved our business crisis team will step in to help our clients manage the risks.

Get in touch with a member of our Dawn Raid team or your usual Ogier contact to arrange a confidential discussion on preparing for a raid, enhancing your processes, or signing up to our dedicated response line.