Nick Vamos
Nick is a leading business crime and investigations lawyer with over 25 years' experience handling some of the most complex, high-profile and sensitive criminal matters in the UK and internationally. A former Head of Special Crime and Head of Extradition at the Crown Prosecution Service, he brings unique prosecutorial insight, international expertise and strategic judgement to his work.
As Head of Business Crime at Peters & Peters, Nick advises individuals, senior executives and corporates on major criminal investigations and proceedings. He has particular expertise in private prosecutions, extradition, INTERPOL Red Notices, mutual legal assistance, fraud and money laundering, often acting in matters involving significant political, diplomatic and reputational sensitivities.
Before joining Peters & Peters, Nick held some of the most senior positions at the Crown Prosecution Service, including Head of Special Crime, overseeing complex cases involving corporate manslaughter, election fraud and police corruption. He was also Head of Extradition, Head of the UK Central Authority for Mutual Legal Assistance and liaison prosecutor in Washington DC, working closely with the US Department of Justice on cross-border investigations.
Nick has been involved in some of the most significant legal proceedings in recent years. Since 2020, he has led the team representing the Post Office in more than 100 criminal appeals arising from what has been described as the largest miscarriage of justice in British legal history. He also led the team advising former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the Parliamentary Privileges Committee investigation concerning Partygate and has continued to represent him in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
His experience also includes representing the family of Harry Dunn on a pro bono basis in the prosecution of Anne Sacoolas, a high-profile case involving complex UK-US legal and diplomatic issues.
Nick is also leading practitioner in private prosecutions, advising clients on bringing and defending complex criminal proceedings. His extensive experience at the highest levels of the UK prosecution system gives him particular insight into the assessment of evidence, prosecutorial decision-making and the strategic challenges involved in pursuing or defending private prosecutions.
Known for his exceptional strategic judgement and calm approach under pressure, Nick combines technical expertise with a clear understanding of the personal, commercial and reputational consequences of criminal proceedings.
Nick has been consistently ranked highly in both the Chambers & Partners UK and The Legal 500 UK Guides, as well as top ranked in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide and Spear's 500 for his work with high-net-worth individuals.
In the Chambers UK 2027 Guide, Nick is commended for being “startlingly clever” with “great judgement”, while another source praises him as “tactically and strategically brilliant”. He is also described as “fiercely intelligent and hugely experienced”, with one commentator adding: “You don't want to go into any serious battle without him.”
Case examples
Advising a household name retailer dealing with multiple high-profile allegations and a major police investigation into sexual offences against its former owner.
Representing former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in respect of allegations that he misled Parliament over “Partygate”.
Acting for Post Office Limited in its review of multiple criminal appeals following what has been described as the largest miscarriage of justice in UK legal history.
Acting pro bono for the family of Harry Dunn to secure the prosecution of Anne Sacoolas, who fled the UK claiming diplomatic immunity, on charges of death by dangerous driving.
Acting for a high-net-worth banker in a major Financial Conduct Authority enforcement action alleging a plot to overseas government bonds.
Securing the acquittal of a high-net-worth individual accused of raping his ex-girlfriend.
Persuading the CPS to take no further action against a successful businessman accused of rape and perverting the course of justice.
Representing a major international engineering company in an HM Revenue & Customs investigation into multimillion pound export control breaches. Nick oversaw an extensive internal investigation and self-report leading to and a 95% reduction in penalty.
Securing the deletion of INTERPOL Red Notices for multiple clients, including a very high profile Middle-Eastern politician accused of corruption; two former owners of a large private Russian bank charged with embezzlement and fraud; the former CEO of a major UAE construction company involved in a multimillion-pound commercial dispute; the director of a UK and UAE-incorporated money services business with international operations; and four members of a high-net-worth Indian family accused of fraud following a business dispute with a foreign government body.
Successfully discharged the extradition request in the leading case on Russian prison conditions and assurances (Russian Federation v Olga Egorova).