Steve Cornmell is a managing director in the Expert Services practice. His practice is focused on providing fraud investigation and expert assistance in commercial disputes.
Steve Cornmell is a managing director in the Expert Services practice. His practice is focused on providing fraud investigation and expert assistance in commercial disputes.
Based in London, Steve has over 20 years of experience in criminal fraud investigation having assisted the UK Serious Fraud Office, amongst others, on a wide range of enquiries involving fraudulent trading, theft, share ramping and conspiracy to defraud regulatory authorities. He has also acted for numerous corporate clients in investigations of alleged fraud and accounting irregularity and breakdown, and twice been appointed as an Inspector in respect of Companies Act and Financial Services Act (Insider Dealing) enquiries. He has also acted in the defence of individuals charged with serious fraud and money laundering offences.
Steve has acted as expert in a number of cases and has provided evidence in court in criminal and commercial cases, international arbitrations and disciplinary hearings brought by professional bodies. His cases have covered a broad range of business sectors.
Before joining Kroll, Steve was a partner and head of Grant Thornton’s UK Forensic and Investigation Services department.
Steve earned a bachelor's degree in politics from University of Leicester. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and trained and qualified as a Chartered Accountant with a Lloyd’s panel audit firm.
Criminal and Regulatory Investigations
Led the UK Serious Fraud Office’s investigation into the collapse of a double glazing manufacturer.
Provided forensic accounting support to the Metropolitan Police Organised Crime Group in its investigation and prosecution of John "Goldfinger" Palmer for his involvement in a timeshare fraud.
Acted for the UK National Crime Squad in investigations involving the laundering of the proceeds of drugs trafficking by an international crime group.
Acted as an accounting expert for the UK Serious Fraud Office in relation to the prosecution of fraud and corruption offences perpetrated by employees and suppliers of an international retail entity.
Appointed an Inspector by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (as was) to investigate allegations of insider dealing and market manipulation in relation to the trading in shares of a vertically integrated travel company ahead of a number of market announcements.
Investigations under the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act on behalf of an energy company placing oil industry staff into Nigeria via a UK subsidiary.
Acted in the defence of a former fund manager of a Saudi bank in relation to allegations of insider trading brought by the Saudi financial services regulator.
Provided forensic accounting assistance in relation to the defence of an individual charged with fraud and money laundering offences arising from their work at the Millennium Dome.
Asset Tracing and Civil Recovery
Led the forensic accounting team investigating the collapse of the international metals trader, RBG Resources plc.
Identification of tracing claims to be made in respect of a financial advisor who had diverted loan finance provided by a financial institution for the personal benefit of the principals involved and their families.
Provided expert evidence for the UK Assets Recovery Agency to support a civil claim for the recovery of the proceeds of crime.
Civil Fraud and Financial Investigation
Led the investigations on behalf of the Administrators of the BHS Group into the circumstances surrounding its insolvency and potential actions for the recovery of losses suffered by the creditors.
Conducted a financial review of an African oil refinery to support investment decisions to be made by the national government and various international funding agencies.
Provided forensic accounting assistance to a London market listed healthcare company in relation to the discovery of a "black hole" in its accounts, leading to a restatement of published financial information.
Provided an independent assessment of losses suffered by a franchise operator due to the termination of a rail franshise to assist in the settlement of a claim between the UK Department for Transport and a global transportation company.
Provided forensic accounting expertise on behalf of a Croatian individual in his attempts to overturn a judgement made against him in the London High Court concerning his involvement in a Czech banking fraud.
Provided evidence in person at the disciplinary hearings of the Finance Director of an NHS Hospital Trust in relation to the alleged manipulation of the value of land and property sales in order to cover a budget deficit.
Review of the operations of an asset repossession unit of an Irish bank in relation to allegations of theft of assets, sales of motor vehicles at an undervalue, and collusion with organised criminals.
Investigations arising from the administration of an insurance warranty business following its disposal by a global motor manufacturer, particularly in relation to the operation of bank accounts in the name of the company’s Directors and third party organisations.
Expert Witness Testimony
Professional Negligence
Independent expert analysis, testimony, advice and investigations for complex disputes and projects.
Kroll excels in assessing financial loss and damages in complex commercial litigation, and offers robust analysis and testimony in M&A and post-acquisition matters.