John Traversi

Introduction

John Traversi is an established criminal law practitioner, defending and prosecuting in a wide range of cases. He has defended in high level drugs conspiracies, human trafficking cases, fraud and revenue cases, murders and serious violence and sexual offending.

His cases have often involved a transnational element, where his language skills have been of particular use. In March 2021 he was co-author with Steven Kay KC of “Kazakhstan: Questions About Government, Justice & International Arbitrations”, which also examines the response of the Republic of Kazakhstan to adverse decisions made against it in international arbitral proceedings. In May 2021 he was part of the 9BR Chambers international team that produced A Report on the Lundin Case commissioned by the Board of Directors for Lundin Energy.

Background and expertise

He has often been asked to advise on proceedings abroad by UK nationals who have found themselves in trouble in other civil law jurisdictions.

He is a grade 4 prosecutor, on the serious crime and fraud panels.

Notable cases

R v F and H, 2021

Prosecuted two defendants charged with modern day slavery, assault and drugs offences. Following a two week trial defendants were sentenced to 17 and 12 years imprisonment. Isleworth Crown Court.

News report here.

Lundin Oil Company, 2019-

Universal jurisdiction proceedings in Sweden alleging war crimes committed in Sudan 1997-2003 against Lundin Oil Company, its Chairman and CEO. The matter is currently at the investigation stage. https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/swedish-prosecutors-to-question-lundin-petroleums-ceo-for-companys-possible-complicity-in-south-sudan-war-crimes-company-comments

R v P, 2019

Prosecuted a child rape case

R v A and others, 2019

Prosecuted 6 handed violent disorder

R v G and others, 2019

Prosecuted class A cuckooing/county line case

R v A, 2018

Prosecuted historic allegations of child abuse going back many years

R v S and J. 2018

Prosecuted theft of £500,000 inheritance

R v S, L and F, 2018

Prosecuted serious firearms and drug dealing conspiracies

R v Z, 2018

Prosecuted rape allegations, 4 day disclosure hearing

R v D, 2017

Defended blackmail of business man

R v F and others, 2017

Prosecuted multi handed £1,000,000 credit card conspiracy.

R v O, 2017

Defended multi-handed class A supply conspiracy

Other Activities and Interests

Oral trials in Mexico 2006 – 2008 training judges and lawyers in Mexico on oral trial techniques.
Jury trials in Kazakhstan 2006 – training judges and lawyers in jury trial techniques
Admitted to list of defence counsel at ICC and STL