Andrew Ford

Andrew Ford is a leading commercial litigator focused on large international disputes, fraud, and asset tracing exercises. His expertise includes disputes involving banking transactions, derivatives, claims in tort and unfair prejudice allegations (minority shareholder actions). Recognized for his expertise in international fraud cases, Andrew has significant experience with investigating acts of fraud and pursuing related claims, and defending against allegations of fraud.

Andrew has undertaken a large number of investigations and prosecutions on behalf of professional regulatory bodies, and has niche experience with disciplinary investigations into allegations of dishonesty and corruption. He has represented sportsmen faced with allegations of match-fixing and the use of banned substances. Andrew also represents various individuals and sporting organisations in civil litigation.

Andrew’s cases are nearly always international, with a significant number emanating from Continental Europe and the Middle East. Clients and peers appreciate Andrew’s commerciality and ability to develop strategies to resolve the most complicated and largescale frauds, and his efficient, pragmatic and down to earth approach.

Prior to joining LK, Andrew was European Regional Leader of Withers’ Commercial Litigation and Fraud Group, a role he assumed in September 2009 after spending three years in the firm’s Geneva office.

Andrew has been recognised by Who’s Who Legal 2023 as a Global Leader - Asset Recovery.

Experience

Al Gosaibi Family & Group (AHAB) (Cayman)

LK acted for AHAB, a large group of companies run by the Al Gosaibi family, in their claims against Mr Al Sanea and his Saad Group concerning his role in an alleged fraud resulting in losses of at least US$9 billion.

AHAB contended that Mr Al Sanea used his position (as the head of a division of the company) to borrow hundreds of billions of dollars in the company’s name – using forged banking documents – and then misappropriated some of the proceeds. AHAB contended that at least US$6 billion was stolen by Mr Al Sanea.

LK worked with a global team of lawyers and forensic accountants to coordinate the investigation into the fraud and the tracing of misappropriated assets, including in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and the Caymans Islands.

UHNWI – Breach of fiduciary & contractual duties

Acting for an UHNWI in relation to actions against an investment advisor and private bank for breach of fiduciary and contractual duties under various investment advisory and loan agreements. The client invested approximately £500m in various funds on the investment advisor’s advice and now wishes to unwind the investments because of the advisor’s conduct. The case includes allegations about the misapplication of client monies, inappropriate investment strategies and fund arrangements, breach of fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest and general breaches of the FCA Conduct of Business Rules and Principles.

The Public Institution for Social Security v Al Wazzan (as representative of Al Rajaan) & Others

LK acted for four of 45 defendants in a c. US$1 billion international fraud claim brought in the Commercial Court by the Kuwaiti State pension fund, The Public Institution for Social Security (PIFSS). The claim centres on allegations of long-running schemes to make and conceal corrupt payments, including alleged secret commissions paid to PIFSS’ most senior officer over a period of two decades. The matter raises complex, multi-jurisdictional issues requiring detailed consideration of Kuwaiti, Swiss and English law. The proceedings were recognised among The Lawyer’s “Top 20 Cases” in both 2020 and 2025 and remain one of the most substantial pieces of litigation ever brought before the Commercial Court, with a 12-month trial concluding in March 2026.

Eletson

Acting for an international energy transport operator group specialising in oil and gas cargoes, in ongoing disputes with its former owners, shareholders and affiliated companies, valued at least U$650 million.

The disputes arise primarily from the client’s former owners’ refusal to comply with the terms of a Chapter 11 restructuring plan approved by the US Bankruptcy Court, resulting in extensive legal proceedings across multiple jurisdictions in respect of the ownership and control of the company, and its fleet of maritime vessels.

The global nature of the dispute requires LK to coordinate with local counsel in various jurisdictions including the US, Greece, Malaysia, Liberia, and Japan.

Salinas

LK act for Ricardo Salinas and Corporacion RBS SA de CV (“Claimants”) in their claim in the Commercial Court. This claim arose out of a stock loan agreement entered into with Astor Asset Management 3 Limited (“Astor 3”) pursuant to which a loan of US$104 million was advanced to the Claimants secured over shares in Grupo Elektra SAB de CV belonging to Mr Salinas. Those shares were deposited with two custodians, Weiser Global Capital Markets and Tavira Monaco SAM, and worth around $400 million at the time the claim was commenced. In June 2024, the Claimants became aware that Astor 3 had directed the custodians to transfer a significant proportion of the shares to Cornelius Vanderbilt Capital Management Ltd and Astor Capital Fund Ltd, which the Claimants maintain was in breach of the agreements in place.

The Claimants obtained freezing orders and proprietary injunctions against the six Defendants in August 2024. The Claimants consider that they have been victims of a stock-lending fraud conducted by Mr Sklarov and his companies. They allege that Mr Sklarov gained control of Mr Salinas’s shares and wrongfully disposed of them contrary to the terms of the stock loan agreement.

Formula One and elite motorsport

Acted in commercial disputes with F1 suppliers including faulty team uniforms, Team trucks and a wind tunnel.

Acted in investigations and regulatory proceedings arising from major Formula One controversies and technical disputes, with appearances before the FIA International Court of Appeal. This includes advice on technical and sporting regulations, appearing before Stewards, the International Tribunal and the International Court of Appeal in Paris.

“Spygate”

Acted for Renault F1 in relation to allegations that the team had used confidential data belonging to a competitor. Following investigation and submissions before the FIA, the team received no sanction, in contrast to substantial penalties imposed against McLaren ($100m).

“Crashgate”

Investigated allegations arising from the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, described at the time as one of the most serious scandals in sporting history. Our investigation and presentation of evidence before the FIA World Motor Sport Council resulted in the team avoiding significant sanction and being permitted to continue participation in the sport.

FIA protests and appeals

Acted in numerous FIA protests and appeals involving technical and sporting regulations. These included successful submissions before the FIA Stewards and International Court of Appeal, including: Tuned Mass Damper appeal in 2006, Fernando Alonso’s ‘unsafe release’ disqualification in 2009, the 2009 Double Diffuser appeal, the Red Bull fuel-flow meter disqualification in 2014, Haas F1’s appeal over the interpretation of ‘corners’ on the front edge of the car’s floor (the tea-tray), protests concerning automated brake bias systems in 2019, the ‘Pink Mercedes’ protest against Racing Point in 2020.