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One ������Ƶ world's top fraud and asset recovery lawyers has been appointed as a Visiting Professor by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)’s School of Justice in the UK.

Veteran Canadian attorney Martin Kenney, whose law firm is based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), is one ������Ƶ world’s leading asset recovery lawyers, regularly acting for clients on multi-million and billion dollar cases.

Kenney is the recipient ������Ƶ Association of Certified Fraud Examiner’s ACFE’s highest honour, the Cressey Award for life-time achievement in the detection and deterrence of fraud. For the past five years he has been chosen as a global elite “Thought Leader” by Who’s Who Legal, and previously has been selected as the number one offshore asset recovery lawyer worldwide. He regularly writes for and contributes to a variety of media outlets, as well as webinars and podcasts, and his firm has earned numerous plaudits from international media.

His firm (MKS) already supports students from UCLan’s MSc Financial Investigation course through internships and sponsors an annual award in Kenney’s name, awarded to the student who makes an ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Study of Financial Investigation’, which comes with a £1,000 bursary.

In addition, MKS recently employed two UCLan School of Justice graduates at its BVI headquarters: Harley Thomas – a fully qualified accountant as well as investigator – and Sarah Margarson, a financial investigator formerly with the Serious Fraud Office. In addition, the firm will soon be employing a third graduate and former detective from the UK on a part-time basis.

Speaking about his appointment, Martin Kenney said: “This recognition is a splendid gesture by the university. I’m delighted to be able to give back something to the next generation of economic crime fighters. They are going to be on the frontlines ������Ƶ battles against money laundering, corruption and fraud, especially in light of developments in crypto, wars and sanctions, and the political and public pressure to push ever greater ‘transparency’.

“I’m looking forward to speaking with and meeting the students in due course: my firm will be employing two graduates from UCLan’s School of Justice this summer, which speaks to the exceptionally high calibre ������Ƶ MSc Financial Investigation course.”

Dr David Brian, MSc Financial Investigation course leader at UCLan’s School of Justice, welcomed Martin Kenney’s appointment: “Martin has become one of our course’s main supporters. His name and professional standing have added gravitas to the course, and he has made a significant contribution to its ongoing development. We are looking forward to working alongside him during the months and years ahead.”

Vivienne Ivins, Head ������Ƶ School of Justice, said: “The UCLan School of Justice is backed by a blend of staff made up of former practitioners and subject matter relevant researchers. This helps to sustain an incredibly strong network of current practitioners and key influencers in the related professions that we can bring into UCLan to the benefit of our students.

“Martin Kenny is a reflection ������Ƶ credibility that the School of Justice has with serious and high-profile practitioners in the fields we operate. Without our own credibility we would not have people like Martin Kenny engaging with us or valuing an association with UCLan.”