Complex matters across jurisdictions, handled with precision.
Scivetti & Associates maintains a specialist criminal defence practice handling serious and complex criminal matters.
The firm is instructed in cases involving financial crime, corruption, fraud, criminal breach of trust, white-collar crime, organised crime, extradition, and other high-stakes prosecutions. These matters frequently involve sensitive evidence, parallel proceedings in multiple jurisdictions, diplomatic considerations, and cross-border investigations. Alongside such matters, the firm regularly handles significant domestic criminal proceedings before the Malaysian courts.
Our work includes representing individuals and corporates accused of corruption-related offences, abuse of power, bribery, misconduct in public office, fraud, cheating, and criminal breach of trust, including matters involving complex financial arrangements, investment schemes, corporate transactions, and fiduciary relationships. The firm approaches such cases through detailed evidentiary analysis, careful examination of decision-making structures and authority frameworks, and rigorous scrutiny of financial and documentary records
The firm also represents clients accused of participation in organised criminal activity, including offences involving money laundering, illegal moneylending, cryptocurrency-related schemes, and transnational criminal networks. These matters often involve multiple accused persons, international intelligence cooperation, and the application of organised crime or security-based legislation
Scivetti & Associates has developed a strong reputation in white-collar criminal defence, particularly in cases involving senior corporate figures, professionals, politically exposed persons, and foreign nationals referred through international legal networks, embassies, and diplomatic missions
The firm has acted in high-profile cases attracting international attention, including matters that have drawn concern from foreign governments, the Vatican, religious institutions and human-rights organisations. In such cases, our role extends beyond courtroom advocacy to ensuring that proceedings are conducted fairly, lawfully, and with proper regard to the accused’s personal circumstances and legal rights.
In addition to courtroom advocacy, the firm is engaged in international dialogue on the legal and judicial response to transnational crime, including participation in the Vatican Summit of Judges on Human Trafficking and Organised Crime, convened under the auspices of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
The firm has deep experience in defending prosecutions and forfeiture proceedings under Malaysia’s anti-money laundering and proceeds-of-crime regimes.
We act in both criminal money laundering charges and civil forfeiture proceedings, including high-value and politically sensitive matters. Our work includes challenging unlawful seizures, tracing allegations, beneficial ownership assumptions, and procedural irregularities, as well as negotiating structured settlements where appropriate.
We also advise clients on asset restraint, disclosure obligations, and strategic responses to enforcement action, including cross-border asset exposure
Scivetti & Associates has long-standing experience defending accused persons across the full spectrum of drug-related offences, including capital and non-capital cases.
We act in trafficking, possession, consumption, and preventive detention matters, often involving foreign nationals and complex evidentiary or procedural issues. The firm is known for its careful, humane, and uncompromising defence of clients facing the most serious consequences under Malaysian law, including offences historically punishable by the mandatory death sentence.
Drug investigations and prosecutions may also involve the seizure or restraint of property alleged to be connected with drug offences. The firm advises clients on legal issues arising from such seizures, including proceedings under the Dangerous Drugs (Forfeiture of Property) Act 1988 and matters relating to the management, recovery, or forfeiture of assets.
The firm is known for its careful, humane, and uncompromising defence of clients facing the most serious consequences under the law.
Scivetti & Associates is internationally recognised for its work involving complex financial investigations, asset tracing and cross-border financial structures arising in matters involving fraud, corruption, money laundering and other financial offences.
Our practice focuses on analysing and understanding the movement of assets through corporate, banking, trust and offshore structures, enabling effective legal strategy in matters involving complex financial allegations. We regularly act in cases involving parallel criminal, civil and regulatory proceedings across multiple jurisdictions, coordinating strategy with foreign counsel, forensic accountants, investigators and regulatory authorities where necessary.
The firm has extensive experience in both court proceedings and negotiated resolution frameworks, enabling pragmatic outcomes in legally and politically sensitive matters. Our work frequently involves advising individuals and corporates facing investigations, as well as parties involved in voluntary disclosure, cooperation frameworks or complex financial disputes.
This work sits at the intersection of financial investigation, regulatory strategy and international legal coordination, often in matters of significant complexity and public interest.
Scivetti & Associates advises and represents individuals and organisations facing cross-border criminal proceedings, international arrest requests, sanctions exposure, and related enforcement actions involving multiple jurisdictions.
These matters frequently involve parallel investigations, international arrest requests, sanctions designations, and asset-freezing measures imposed by foreign authorities. The firm regularly assists clients in navigating the legal and practical consequences of such cross-border enforcement actions through coordinated defence strategies involving advisers in multiple jurisdictions.
Extradition
Scivetti & Associates is highly regarded for its work in extradition and habeas corpus proceedings, including cases initiated by foreign governments.
We act in resisting extradition, advising on extradition exposure, and negotiating surrender terms where appropriate. These matters often involve complex questions of international law, diplomatic sensitivity, and parallel foreign prosecutions.
Our work frequently requires close coordination with foreign counsel andavisers in order to develop a comprehensive defence strategy addresing both the Malaysian proceedings and the underlying allegations in the requesting jurisdiction.
INTERPOL Red Notice Challenges
Scivetti & Associates represents individuals subject to INTERPOL alerts, including Red Notices and diffusion requests, and advises organisations affected by investigations or enforcement actions arising from such notices.
INTERPOL Red Notices can significantly affect an individual’s ability to travel, conduct business, and maintain financial relationships. In some cases, such notices may arise from politically motivated or legally defective requests submitted by member states.
The firm advises clients on challenging such notices through the appropriate procedures before INTERPOL’s Commission for the Control of Files.
Our work in this area includes:
Given the international nature of INTERPOL proceedings, the firm coordinates with lawyers and advisers in multiple jurisdictions to protect the interests of clients facing cross-border criminal exposure.
Global Sanctions & Magnitsky-Style Sanctions
Scivetti & Associates advises clients on matters involving international sanctions regimes, including sanctions imposed under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and comparable Magnitsky-style human rights sanctions frameworks adopted by other jurisdictions.
These include, among others, the United Kingdom’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regulations, the European Union’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, and Canada’s Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act. Such sanctions may involve asset freezes, travel restrictions, and financial prohibitions imposed by foreign governments or international authorities.
These measures can have significant consequences for individuals and businesses, including restrictions on banking relationships, cross-border transactions, and international mobility, and may in certain circumstances intersect with INTERPOL alerts or other cross-border enforcement measures.
The firm advises clients on the legal and strategic implications of sanctions designations, including regulatory exposure, reputational considerations, asset-freezing implications, and, where appropriate, coordination with counsel and advisers in relevant jurisdictions.
We advise and represent clients in cybercrime and technology-driven financial crime matters, including investigations and prosecutions involving hacking, computer intrusion, online fraud, data misuse, cryptocurrency-related offences, and blockchain-based disputes.
Our work in this area includes both defence and advisory mandates, particularly where allegations arise from complex digital ecosystems involving decentralised platforms, smart contracts, digital wallets, tokenised assets, and cross-border transactions recorded on distributed ledgers. We regularly engage with the technical and evidentiary foundations of such allegations, including wallet ownership, transaction verification, private-key control, and on-chain analysis.
These matters frequently involve foreign complainants, overseas evidence, and parallel regulatory or enforcement exposure, requiring close coordination with international counsel, technical experts, and forensic specialists. Where appropriate, we also advise on pre-charge representations, regulatory engagement, and early resolution strategies in technology-driven investigations.
Our cybercrime practice sits at the intersection of criminal law, financial regulation, and emerging technology, and is particularly relevant in cases where traditional investigative assumptions do not readily translate to decentralised or digital environments.
Strategic Trade Act (STA) Advisory & Compliance
Scivetti & Associates advises Malaysian and international companies on compliance with Malaysia’s Strategic Trade Act 2010 (STA), which regulates the export, transfer, transit and brokering of strategic items, including dual-use technology, defence-related goods and controlled software, as well as regulatory considerations relating to the transfer of controlled technology and technical data.
The firm assists companies operating in sensitive or regulated sectors, including technology, semiconductor manufacturing, cybersecurity, aerospace, defence, telecommunications, and intelligence-related industries, in navigating Malaysia’s strategic trade control framework and obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals.
Our work includes advising on the classification of strategic items, licensing requirements, export control obligations, and regulatory risk exposure under the Strategic Trade Act. The firm regularly assists clients in preparing and submitting strategic trade licence applications, including the supporting documentation and compliance materials required by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), such as the development and implementation of internal compliance programmes, technology control plans, and export control policies designed to ensure that corporate operations comply with Malaysian strategic trade regulations and international export control standards.
Scivetti & Associates regularly engages with the relevant authorities within the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). This engagement is necessary as strategic trade licensing, classification determinations, and compliance frameworks operate within a regulatory environment where close coordination with the authority is required.
The firm is frequently engaged where business activities intersect with national security considerations, controlled technologies, and cross-border transfers of sensitive information, including matters including matters involving technology developers, semiconductor companies, defence contractors, and international security or intelligence-related companies operating in Malaysia.
Trade Remedies & Anti-Dumping Investigations
In addition to strategic trade compliance, Scivetti & Associates advises international manufacturers, exporters, and trading companies involved in anti-dumping investigations conducted by the Government of Malaysia.
Anti-dumping proceedings may be initiated where authorities allege that imported goods are being sold in the Malaysian market at unfairly low prices, causing injury to domestic industry. Such investigations can result in the imposition of significant additional duties on imported goods.
Our firm represents foreign exporters, producers, and Malaysian importers throughout the entire
investigative process, including:
Anti-dumping investigations in Malaysia are administered by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and typically involve detailed engagement with the investigating authorities throughout the course of the investigation, including written submissions, consultations, and verification exercises conducted by the authorities during the course of the investigation.
Given Malaysia’s role as a regional trading hub and the increasing use of trade remedies globally, anti-dumping investigations have become a significant regulatory risk for international trade participants. Scivetti & Associates works closely with clients including manufacturers, exporters, Malaysian importers, industry associations and, where appropriate, governmental or quasi-governmental entities to develop comprehensive defence strategies aimed at protecting market access and mitigating potential duties.
Scivetti & Associates regularly utilises 28 U.S.C. §1782, a United States federal statutory mechanism that permits parties to obtain court-ordered discovery in the United States in support of foreign proceedings.
As a member of the New York Bar, Tania Scivetti is uniquely positioned to advise on and coordinate §1782 applications before the United States District Courts, particularly the Southern District of New York. The firm works in close collaboration with U.S counsel in preparing and pursuing applications for the production of documentary evidence and testimony for use in complex criminal, civil and regulatory proceedings.
These proceedings are strategically deployed in high-stakes matters involving allegations of corruption, money laundering, asset misappropriation, and cross-border financial misconduct. §1782 applications often form a critical component of broader international litigation and enforcement strategy, particularly where key banking, corporate, or transactional evidence is located within the United States.
The firm’s cross-border discovery practice reflects a broader capability in coordinating multi-jurisdictional legal strategy, aligning Malaysian proceedings with U.S. federal court processes to obtain evidence that would otherwise remain beyond reach.
The firm has acted in connection with §1782 proceedings arising from the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) investigations, including coordination of applications seeking evidence from United States-based financial institutions and individuals for use in Malaysian proceedings involving Datuk Seri Najib Razak, former Prime Minister of Malaysia. These applications sought documentary and testimonial evidence believed to be material to complex corruption and money laundering allegations spanning multiple jurisdictions
The U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires individuals and entities acting in the United States on behalf of foreign governments, state-owned enterprises, political parties or foreign principals to register with the U.S. Department of Justice when engaging in certain advocacy, lobbying, public relations or government engagement activities.
Compliance with FARA has become increasingly important for companies, sovereign entities and government-linked organisations seeking to engage with policymakers, regulators or stakeholders in Washington and other parts of the United States. Non-compliance may expose parties to significant legal, financial and reputational scrutiny, including enforcement action by the U.S. Department of Justice.
As a member of the New York Bar, Tania Scivetti is uniquely positioned to advise on and coordinate FARA-related matters, including assessing whether registration is required, structuring engagements with U.S. advisors and ensuring that activities comply with applicable U.S. disclosure and regulatory requirements.
The firm works closely with U.S. counsel, including Pierson Ferdinand LLP, to assist clients in navigating compliance frameworks and related regulatory considerations.
Scivetti & Associates frequently advises corporates, sovereign-linked entities and international clients seeking to engage with U.S. institutions, ensuring that their activities are structured in a legally compliant and transparent manner.
The firm advises whistle-blowers, cooperating individuals, and corporates in relation to internal investigations, voluntary disclosures, and engagement with enforcement agencies
Our work includes protecting clients’ legal position while facilitating lawful cooperation, structuring disclosures, and managing cross-border risk in sensitive investigations
Scivetti & Associates collaborates with trusted strategic partners in investigative intelligence, forensic analysis and evidentiary reconstruction in connection with complex litigation, arbitration and regulatory matters.
These matters frequently involve allegations of white-collar crime, corruption, bribery, money laundering and cross-border financial misconduct, where a clear understanding of financial flows, corporate structures and documentary evidence is essential to effective legal strategy.
The firm works alongside forensic accountants, digital analysts and cross-border investigative specialists to identify, preserve and analyse material evidence relevant to disputes spanning multiple jurisdictions.
This integrated approach enables clients to understand the factual landscape of a matter, strengthen their legal position and respond effectively to complex allegations or proceedings.
Scivetti & Associates advises and represents clients in tax-related disputes, investigations, and enforcement action, particularly where tax issues intersect with criminal, forfeiture, or regulatory proceedings.
We act in matters involving assessments, settlements, negotiations with authorities, and strategic resolution of tax exposure linked to broader legal risk.
Scivetti & Associates acts in complex constitutional and public law disputes involving issues of parliamentary procedure, separation of powers, and the lawful exercise of public authority.
The firm has represented senior public office-holders in high-profile constitutional proceedings arising from challenges to appointments made under the Federal Constitution of Malaysia. In one such matter, proceedings were initiated by the former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad challenging the validity of the appointments of the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) Dato’ Sri Azalina Othman Said and the Secretary of the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives), Dr Nizam Mydin Bacha Mydin.
The High Court struck out the action in its entirety, affirming that the appointments were valid under the Federal Constitution and that the matters raised were not justiciable, thereby reinforcing the constitutional boundaries between the Executive and Parliament and upholding the autonomy of the legislature.
These matters frequently involve heightened public interest, political sensitivity, and complex constitutional interpretation, requiring careful navigation of institutional boundaries and established constitutional doctrine.
Scivetti & Associates acts for victims of serious criminal conduct in circumstances where criminal proceedings intersect with civil liability, institutional responsibility, or failures in duty of care.
The firm has represented victims in high-profile matters attracting international attention, including cases involving foreign nationals in Malaysia. This work has included holding watching briefs in criminal proceedings, liaising with prosecuting authorities and consular officials, and pursuing civil claims arising from security breaches, negligence, or systemic failures by corporate or institutional defendants.
In addition, the firm advises victims of financial crime, including corporates, institutions, and individuals, in matters involving fraud, corruption, criminal breach of trust, cheating and other forms of financial misconduct. This work often overlaps with asset tracing and recovery efforts and may involve parallel civil, criminal, and regulatory processes across multiple jurisdictions.
Where appropriate, such matters are resolved through negotiated or confidential settlement, enabling victims to obtain compensation, financial recovery and closure without prolonged public litigation. In financial crime matters, this may involce civil claims, asset tracing and restitution strategies, while in other cases it may include compensation arising from negligence, security failures or breaches of institutional duty.
Scivetti & Associates advises and represents clients in a wide range of civil and commercial disputes, providing effective legal representation in matters involving contractual rights, commercial relationships and reputational issues.
The firm represents individuals, corporations and public figures in court proceedings as well as in negotiated resolutions of disputes, with a focus on protecting legal rights and achieving practical outcomes.
The firm's civil litigation practice includes matters involving:
Defamation
Scivetti & Associates also represents individuals, public figures and businesses in defamation and reputation protection matters arising from publications in print, broadcast and digital media.
The firm advises clients in claims involving false or damaging statements affecting personal and professional reputation and acts in proceedings seeking damages, retractions and injunctive relief, as well as defending clients facing defamation allegations.
Scivetti & Associates advises corporate clients, institutions, and international enterprises on complex corporate, regulatory, and commercial matters, particularly where business activity intersects with government, regulation, enforcement risk, or cross-border complexity.
Our corporate work is grounded in hands-on senior involvement and informed by decades of experience acting for multinational corporations, government-linked entities, foreign investors, and regulated businesses operating in Malaysia. We are frequently engaged where the issues extend beyond documentation and require strategic judgment, regulatory insight, and careful risk management.
What We Do
Our corporate and commercial services include advising on:
Foreign Investment & Market Entry
We assist foreign companies and international groups in establishing and structuring their presence in Malaysia, including advice on incorporation, governance, regulatory approvals, licensing, immigration and employment compliance, and ongoing operational requirements..
Regulatory & Government-Facing Matters
We advise corporates on matters involving Malaysian ministries, regulators, and public authorities, including regulatory approvals, policy-driven decisions, compliance issues, and enforcement exposure. Our experience includes advising both private enterprises and government-linked entities in matters where regulatory discretion and public interest considerations are engaged.
Strategic & Regulated Industries
We have acted for clients across sectors including aviation, aerospace and defence, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, technology, and strategic trade. Our work often involves navigating complex regulatory frameworks, managing government relationships, and advising on compliance obligations in sensitive or highly regulated industries.
Major Projects & Long-Term Advisory
The firm acts as long-term counsel on large-scale projects, advising on contractual structures, regulatory compliance, risk allocation, and project execution. This includes infrastructure and energy projects, industrial developments, and strategic investments with significant capital exposure.
Technology, Security & Strategic Trade Compliance
We advise technology and security-related companies on licensing, regulatory compliance, and strategic trade controls, including matters under Malaysia’s Strategic Trade Act. Our work includes assisting clients to obtain regulatory approvals, designing compliance frameworks, and managing interactions with enforcement authorities
Commercial Risk & Dispute Readiness
We advise corporate clients on managing legal risk arising from commercial operations, including director and officer exposure, regulatory investigations, and disputes. Where matters escalate, we provide seamless representation across civil, criminal, and regulatory proceedings, allowing for consistent strategy and protection of commercial and reputational interests.
Immigration
The firm advises on Malaysian immigration law, including visas, work permits, residency issues, and matters arising from criminal proceedings or enforcement action. We regularly act for foreign nationals, professionals, and corporate entities, including cases with diplomatic or regulatory sensitivity.
Intellectual Property & Entertainment Law
We advise artists, creators, rights holders, and commercial entities on intellectual property protection and commercial rights in the creative and entertainment industries. Our work includes copyright and trade mark disputes, licensing and publishing arrangements, digital distribution rights, and the enforcement of proprietary rights against unauthorised commercial exploitation. The firm has acted for international recording artists, producers, and commercial figures in matters involving copyright ownership, contractual rights, sponsorship arrangements, and brand protection.The firm advises on Malaysian immigration law, including visas, work permits, residency issues, and matters arising from criminal proceedings or enforcement action. We regularly act for foreign nationals, professionals, and corporate entities, including cases with diplomatic or regulatory sensitivity.
Reach out. The right counsel makes all the difference.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION