Naz Hussain KC specialises in high-profile, complex, and serious criminal defence work. He also acts in sport disciplinary and regulatory matters.
Naz has appeared in some of the most high-profile trials in the country alleging murder, terrorism, espionage, drug conspiracies, gang land violence, high value fraud, electoral fraud, and serious/historic sexual offences. Naz has represented high net worth individuals, successful businesspeople, professionals and celebrities from the Sporting, Entertainment and Music worlds.
Within his first 3 years of practice Naz was recognised as a leading barrister by Chambers UK and The Legal 500; he has consistently been ranked by them ever since. His exceptional ability and excellence in his chosen fields was officially acknowledged upon his appointment as Queen’s (now King's) Counsel.
A true jury advocate, the courtroom is where he thrives. In a rape trial where the defendant had fled the country Naz had no client, no proof of evidence and no defence statement. In such circumstances his solicitors thought conviction an inevitability. The defence case rested entirely upon Naz’s cross examination of the complainant and his closing speech. The jury unanimously acquitted.
His skill before a jury is not at the expense of his legal submissions. Chambers UK has recognised his “ability to develop great novel arguments”. In appellate work Naz has enjoyed significant success at the Court of Appeal, particularly when appealing convictions upon the notoriously difficult ground of “fresh evidence”.
Naz has a particular expertise in terrorism trials. He has defended in cases generating national and international interest. He represented, amongst others, the alleged fifth bomber in the 21/7 attempted terrorist bombings in London, the mastermind behind the “Bank of Terror” fraud that allegedly used £1 million to fund extremists travelling to join ISIS and a man charged with the alleged attempted murder of convicted Serb war criminal Radislav Kristic.
Naz also has a remarkably successful sexual offences practice. He has secured acquittals in the most serious cases alleging multiple rapes, familial historic abuse and CSE.
Naz is one of only a handful of barristers to have defended in a case alleging electoral fraud during a General Election. He has successfully defended clients in multi-million-pound fraud trials ranging from vishing scams to those involving professionals.
Naz’s life experiences have impressed upon him the importance of standing up and speaking fearlessly for those who are unable or unwilling to do so themselves.
Naz is regularly invited to speak and comment upon topical legal issues by the media, universities, and large organisations. He regularly speaks to and advises grass roots, community, and protest/issue groups.
A lifelong martial artist, Naz’s commitment, discipline, tactical acumen and fearlessness is brought to bear for his clients.
Naz maintains an active involvment in the competative combat sports world. He regularly comentates at Muay Thai, K1 and MMA promotions. He also chairs the PBA's (Professional Boxing Association's) Adjudication Panel.
Chambers UK Bar Guide
"Without a doubt he is the single best story-telling barrister in the country. He is phenomenal."
"He is a very good, talented silk."
“Has the world at his feet”
“A tactically astute and persuasive advocate.”
“An impressive communicator”
“He is noted for his capabilities in defending complex criminal matters such as organised crime”
“Sources note his “ability to develop great novel arguments.”
“He is a very practical advocate who is fantastic to work with.”
“He’s a good operator who is good with clients.”
“A very talented individual”
“Impressive, hard-working, excellent”
“Even coming into a case at very short notice he handles it very well,”
“He is hard-working and always very sensible.”
“A presence on both the London and the North Eastern Circuits, whose experience belies his call”
“Enjoys an excellent profile”
“Hailed as one to watch for the future”
“Delightful – he has a nice manner and is good with clients and juries.”
Legal 500
" Hardworking and fearless yet thoroughly grounded lawyer. He is terrific with juries, whom he engages with alacrity. He carefully identifies the issues that matter to his case, and is not distracted by the storm around him."
“A persuasive and determined advocate”
“His practice includes serious sexual offences, terrorism, and serious violent crime cases.”
“Very strong with wide experience”
“His practice includes serious sexual offences, terrorism, and serious violent crime cases”
Operation Radiometer (R v Abu & Abu - Central Criminal Court)
Two brothers, described in the press as the “Gallagher brothers of Terrorism”, accused of preparing a “London Bridge style terrorist attack" in The City. Naz’s client did not give evidence in his own defence but did make numerous outbursts during the trial (once such that he was forcefully removed from the dock), including swearing at the Prosecutor during his closing speech. Not guilty
R v Daniel Khalife (Central Criminal Court)
Defendant accused of espionage, bomb hoax, posessing material that would assist a terrorist and escape from HMP Wandsworth.
R v Chaudry (Birmingham Crown Court)
Defendant accused of being an active member of ISIS based in the UK who had access to sensitive material including British submarine technology. Said to have disseminated digital ISIS propaganda he curated and created on a global scale. Also accused of using Bitcoin to plan and organise the escape and exfiltration of ISIS members from prisons in the Middle East.
R v Farooq (Sheffield Crown Court)
Defendant accused of planning to detonate an IED at RAF Menwith Hill and Leeds Hospital.
R v Khan & Khan (Birmingham Crown Court)
Two young brothers planning to travel to Afghanistan where they intended to join and fight for IS. Had colected terrorist literature and collated extremeist media propagander.
R v Abukar and others (Central Criminal Court)
The “Bank of terror” case. For the first of twelve defendants. An OCN’s (Organised Criminal Network’s) industrial scale Vishing fraud netting £1 million. From this funds were allegedly used to facilitate the travel of extremists to join ISIS.
R v Asiedu and others (Leeds Crown Court)
Convicted terrorists alleged to have attacked Jeremy Green (convicted murderer and disgraced former soldier) in prison because he had served in the military and “killed Taliban”.
Operation Pilling (Leeds Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of the alleged attempted murder of war criminal Radislav Krstić (found guilty of aiding and abetting genocide in Srebrenica at the International Criminal Court) in HMP Wakefield by prisoners serving life sentences.
Operation Norbury (Central Criminal Court)
The defendant was accused of engaging in conduct in preparation for acts of terrorism, conspiracy to cause an explosion and possession of a document of a kind likely to be of assistance to a person preparing or committing an act of terrorism as part of a plot to launch a bombing campaign on the UK mainland during Christmas 2010. Targets included the London Stock Exchange.
Operation Kneel (Oxford Crown Court)
Bomb hoax which involved the sending of in excess of 70 letters to companies, shopping centres and embassies purporting to identify members of active Al Qaeda cells and targets for imminent attacks. Letters to aviation companies alone resulted in additional security costing hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Operation Saby (Snaresbrook Crown Court)
Alleged stockpiling of explosive substances and bomb making information by a chemist said to have been contemplating a “revenge attack” for the 7/7 bombings. Argued that the legal burden placed upon the defendant by section 4 of The Explosive Substances Act 1883 offended the presumption of innocence and was therefore incompatible with the defendant’s right to a fair trial under Article 6 of The European Convention on Human Rights. The Court agreed that s.4 should be read down (by virtue of section 3 of The Human Rights Act 1998) so as only to place an evidential burden upon the defendant.
WD VE & UF v Secretary of State for the Home Dept. SIAC(Special Immigration Appeal Commission)
Naz represented a number of Pakistani nationals detained after Operation Pathway; the much publicised anti-terror raids after which all men were released without charge. The Home Secretary subsequently sought to have them deported.
Operation Overamp (Woolwich Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of the encouragement of terrorism, possessing a document of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism and organising of terrorist training camps on the UK mainland.
Operation Vivace (Woolwich Crown Court) Trial 1
Conspiracy to murder: Naz represented the “fifth bomber” from the 21/7 attempted suicide bomb attacks targeting the London Underground system. There was a hung jury following the first trial. The defendant pleaded guilty to a lesser offence before retrial.
Operation Vivace Trial 3
The defendant was accused of two counts of failing to disclose information which could have assisted in the apprehension of a person involved in an act of terrorism. The client failed to contact the authorities in relation to two of the convicted 21/7 bombers and positively assisted the cell leader to evade capture.
R v Bernard & others (Central Criminal Court)
Defendant accused of being part of an armed gang that robbed an Albanian drug stash resulting in the murder of one occupant and serious injury of another.
R v Lakin & others (Sheffield Crown Court)
Defendant accused of Manslaughter: said to be part of an armed gang that attempted to rob a van of NOS gas cannisters. Van driver accidentally ran over and killed his colleague. Following three trials with hung juries the crown offered no evidence.
Operation Sandal (Sheffield Crown Court)
Alleged gangland murder by drug dealer
Operation Freed (Sheffield Crown Court)
The torture and murder of a drug addict believed to have stolen valuable jewellery.
Operation Japan (Sheffield Crown Court)
The frenzied stabbing and murder of a Massage Parlour owner during a burglary. This was reported by the BBC.
Operation Pawnstoke (Leeds Crown Court)
Defendant with serious mental health issues accused of murdering a male with whom he was living in a half-way-house. Horrific injuries inflicted without a weapon.
Operation Cholrine (Sheffield Crown Court)
Murder of a drug addict who had “bad mouthed” his dealer.
Operation Kalon (Sheffield Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of s.18 grievous bodily harm (GBH) (trial 1) and attempted murder (trial 2) as part of alleged revenge attacks between members of two opposing Sheffield gangs. The case involved legal argument as to the admissibility of “gang injunctions.”
Operation Helium (Warwick Crown Court)
Gang Land abduction of alleged opposing gang member held for ransom. Systematic torture including severing a finger which was sent to the victim’s family when the ransom wasn’t paid in full.
Operation Kite (Sheffield Crown Court)
Following escalating inter-communal violence, an alleged murder where the defendants’ vehicle drove at a pedestrian. The driver and occupants were jointly charged.
Operation Fayville (Central Criminal Crown Court)
Alleged murder within a secure mental ward. The defendant believed the deceased to be “Satan”.
Operation Cooling (Sheffield Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of the murder of Laura Wilson, the young mother whose body was recovered from a canal with multiple stab wounds.
Operation Kremlin (Sheffield Crown Court)
Conspiracy to murder: alleged contract killing organised by local business men. Indictment stayed part way through defence case following an abuse of process submission arising from serious and fundamental disclosure failures by officers and the CPS. Mr Justice Sweeney described the case as “a disaster for the criminal justice system” and said the prosecution had been responsible for “failures on a disturbing scale”.
R v H and others (Manchester Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of murder, attempted murder, s.18 GBH, possession of a firearm with intent, possession of ammunition and attempting to pervert the course of justice. The case involved a serious organised crime agency (SOCA) investigation and the trial of a “hit man” linked to North West drug gangs.
Operation Yardelle (Central Criminal Court)
The defendant was accused of two counts of attempted murder, as well as possession of a firearm with intent, possession of ammunition and attempting to pervert the course of justice. This involved the attempted murder of a prosecution witness to an armed robbery and attempts to pervert the course of justice by the defendant and his solicitor whilst the former was on remand in HMP Belmarsh.
Operation Hobby (Sheffield Crown Court)
Murder: wife hired members of a ‘gangsta’ rap group to kill her estranged husband. Naz acted for one of the rappers.
Conspiracy to murder: alleged contract killing organised by local business men. Indictment stayed part way through defence case following an abuse of process submission arising from serious and fundamental disclosure failures by officers and the CPS.
Operation Griffin (Sheffield Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of perverting the course of justice by the organisation of false alibi evidence for a defendant charged with murder. Naz’s client stood trial with the nine defendants charged with a murder committed in a close knit community. The prosecution sought (unsuccessfully) to rely upon eye witnesses who had complete anonymity.
R v Duffy 1 & 2 (Bradford Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of s.18 GBH. Naz represented a serving soldier in two separate allegations arising from serious incidents of violence in nightclubs.
Operation Murcia (Peterborough Crown Court)
Conspiracy to rob involving multiple organised cash-in-transit robberies.
R v Lee (Sheffield Crown Court)
Alleged armed robberies of post offices in Yorkshire.
Operation Lucas (Manchester Crown Court)
Violent disorder: large-scale disturbance in Manchester city center following the England versus Wales World Cup qualifying match at Old Trafford.
R v Farok Twafiq (Sheffield Crown Court)
Defendant, charged with rape, fled the country and was tried in his absence. Naz had no instructions, no Defence Statement and his solicitors left court as they felt a conviction was inevitable. The defence case rested solely upon Naz’s cross examination of the complainant and his closing speech. Not guilty.
R v AG (Derby Crown Court)
Defendant faced a ten count indictment alleging attempted rape, sexual assault and exposure in relation to his step daughter. Not guilty.
R v Hafeez (Sheffield Crown Court & COACD)
Alleged rape by a taxi driver of a passenger. Conviction quashed, no retrial. Serious investigatory and disclosure failings established The defence discovered “fresh evidence” that they had been told by the Crown no longer existed. The evidence wholly supported the defendant’s account in interview. Conviction quashed, no retrial.
R v Ali (Sheffield Crown Court & COACD)
Alleged sexual activity with a child. The defence secured the “fresh evidence” of a child witness, ignored by the Prosecution, via the novel process of conducting their own ABE interview. The COA was persuaded by submissions that it could receive evidence in this way. Conviction quashed, no retrial.
R v Lockey (Sheffield Crown Court)
Alleged multiple rapes by D with learning difficulties. D and complainant required intermediaries. Serious investigatory and disclosure failings established. OIC fell ill. Prosecution would not drop the case and a replacement with no knowledge of the case was proffered. Naz made clear he intended to invite the Court to (or the defence would) call the reviewing lawyer. The hitherto bullish Prosecution offered no evidence prior to him making the application. Not guilty.
R v Hussain (Sheffield Crown Court)
Alleged matrimonial rape. Defence called the son as a witness. Not guilty.
R v Godbehere (Sheffield Crown Court)
Alleged rape at a party where the complainant said she was too drunk to consent. Not guilty.
R v Alghanami (Sheffield Crown Court)
Alleged rape by former partner where he was alleged to have confessed at the scene to witnesses. Not guilty.
R v Ward (Sheffield Crown Court)
Alleged historic sexual abuse by D of his granddaughter. Police investigatory failings discovered. Not guilty.
R v Skill (Sheffield Crown Court)
Alleged historic sexual abuse by D when he was 14 (43 at trial) of the then 6 year old sister of his friend. Highly emotional and complex case, described by the judge as “more difficult than a murder trial”. Not guilty.
R v Sharma (Manchester Crown Court)
Alleged sexual abuse of sedated patients by a doctor whilst they were undergoing abortions. Work place bullying and racism established. Not guilty.
R v Patel & others (Snaresbrook Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of kidnap, false imprisonment, s.47 assault and blackmail. The case involved the alleged kidnapping of two women in relation to an unsettled debt, significant special measures were granted. This was a four-handed trial which took 40 days. The principal witness’s evidence and cross examination took nine days.
Operation Hullabaloo (Sheffield Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of kidnap, false imprisonment and s.47 assault. This involved the kidnapping of a youth who was systematically beaten and forced to drive over 100 miles by “drug dealers and gangsters”.
Operation Madonna (Sheffield Crown Court)
Kidnap, child abduction and blackmail: the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl who was held until a debt was settled.
R v Lanera (Sheffield Crown Court)
Kidnap, false imprisonment and blackmail: a school teacher allegedly held captive in Sheffield’s red light district by a defendant described as a “gangster”.
Operation Lever (Central Criminal Court)
The defendant was accused of being a conspirator in an international telecommunication fraud involving the hijacking of SIMs belonging to Vodaphone customers. The fraud generated in excess of £2.8 million.
Operation Talmice (Bradford Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of conspiracy to defraud in an allegation of election fraud during the 2005 general election. This was the first case before the courts to involve such an allegation. Indicted defendants included the then Conservative parliamentary candidate, serving and former Conservative councillors.
Operation Thatcham (Leeds Crown Court)
A complex 42 defendant “cash for crash” conspiracy involving fake claimants, accident management companies and other related businesses and professions.
Operation Galton (Leeds Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of attempting to handle stolen goods. Numerous multi-defendant trials involving the large-scale purchasing of BT and Railtrack cables from undercover officers. The case involved extensive use of covert audio and video surveillance.
Operation Obtain (Sheffield Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of attempting to handle stolen goods, possessing criminal property and converting criminal property. Numerous multi-defendant trials involving the large scale purchasing of BT and Railtrack cables from undercover officers. The case involved extensive use of covert audio and video surveillance.
Operation Spenser (Croydon Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of conspiracy to commit fraud: alleged large-scale conspiracy creating multiple false identities which were in turn used to claim citizenship and benefits.
Operation Abyss (Inner London Crown Court)
Conspiracy to commit £1.5 million benefit fraud involving the creation of multiple false identities.
Operation Yankee (Leeds Crown Court)
Conspiracy to burgle. The case involved 17 defendants carrying out alleged Hanoi burglaries across Yorkshire and Lancashire, which targeted high-value vehicles with a total value of £4 million.
R v Francis(Sheffield Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of conspiracy to defraud, acquiring criminal property and converting criminal property. Alleged large-scale fraud upon a private bank involving an “inside man”. A City of London Police investigation originally listed at the Central Criminal Court.
Operation Melody (Sheffield Crown Court)
Conspiracy to transfer the proceeds of crime: sums in excess of £4.5 million were transferred from the UK to Jamaica via money transfers.
R v Ali & others (Bradford Crown Court)
Conspiracy defraud: fraudulent obtaining of high-power bespoke vehicles from “Project Kahn”.
R v Mahboob (Sheffield Crown Court)
Forgery and conspiracy to defraud: international conspiracy to defraud House of Fraser by producing fake gift vouchers.
Operation Cognac (Sheffield Crown Court)
Conspiracy to defraud: ten-handed mortgage fraud involving an accountant and mortgage adviser.
Operation Mosaic (Sheffield Crown Court)
The ‘Full Metal Jacket’ organised crime gang case.
The defendant was a conspirator in a large drug importation and supply operation. The OCG used codenames from the Kubrick film and also the US TV drama “The Wire”. The case involved the extensive use of surveillance, covert eavesdropping and multinational intelligence sources.
Operation Monochrome (Sheffield Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs as part of an alleged large-scale conspiracy covering the north of England. The case involved the extensive use of surveillance.
R v Kristoff (Newcastle Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of the importation of Crystal Meth via The Gambia.
Operation Cisco (Sheffield Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of conspiracy to supply heroin across South Yorkshire.
R v Rahim & Khan (Bradford Crown Court)
Large-scale importation of high-purity heroin from Pakistan.
Operation Core (Nottingham Crown Court)
Conspiracy to supply cocaine and various firearms offences. The case was a 10-defendant conspiracy supplying drugs and firearms across the Midlands and northern England.
Operation Minx (Sheffield Crown Court)
The defendant was accused of conspiracy to supply cocaine. Naz represented the alleged head of an extensive criminal organisation with international links.
R v Hull & Spence (Teesside Crown Court)
Large-scale supply of cocaine from London to Middlesbrough via Leeds.
R v Pham (Sheffield Crown Court)
Sophisticated, large-scale cultivation of cannabis within domestic
Legally Qualified Chair - MPTS (Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service)
Adjudication Panel Chair - PBA (Professional Boxing Association)