Ayaz Qazi KC
Profile
Ayaz Qazi KC is a specialist criminal silk who practises exclusively for the defence. His practice is firmly rooted in serious and complex crime, with instructions spanning homicide, organised crime, terrorism, large-scale fraud and high-value financial investigations.
His cases routinely involve substantial and sensitive issues of fact and law, often attracting national media attention. He appeared in R v Ahmed, an honour-based killing described by the Sunday Times Review as one of the most extraordinary cases of modern times. A plate of tuna pasta – and then murder
He is known for his forensic preparation, strategic judgment, and compelling jury advocacy in the most demanding cases.
RECENT AND NOTABLE CASES
R v GS (2026) – Murder acquittal in a complex “cut-throat” defence case involving highly contentious evidential issues.
R v RD (2025) – Substantial tax fraud acquittal following detailed forensic analysis of complex financial evidence.
R v AB (2025) – Non custodial outcome in substantive mortgage frauds linked to widespread bribery allegations.
R v KD (2025) – Acquittal on behalf of professional man accused of Rape.
R v DW (2024) – Duty evasion. Acquitted
R v MA (2020) – Gross negligence manslaughter.
R v TM (2021) – Drive-by shooting.
R v AY (2022) – Multiple shootings: murder and attempted murder.
R v LH (2022) – Attempted murder.
R v EK (2023) – Rape.
R v SA (2023) – Preparatory acts of terrorism.
R v BE (2023) – Petroleum-related duty evasion. Acquitted
R v SA (2023) – Three counts of attempted murder.
R v LH (2023) – Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (alleged value approximately £1 billion).
In 2023, Ayaz appeared as case leader for the defence in a prosecution arising from the single largest seizure of Class A drugs in Yorkshire. Following strategic negotiations after the commencement of trial, the allegation was resolved to a significantly lesser offence, resulting in a custodial term that placed the defendant on course for imminent release.
Ayaz is fluent in Urdu and Punjabi.
Expertise
Often instructed in wide ranging allegations relating to Organised Crime Groups where often the deployment of County Lines offending is alleged. Has appeared in many importation and conspiracy allegations over the last twenty years. These have often included the exploitation of vulnerable individuals to participate in such crimes often resulting in their referrals and classification as trafficked individuals.
Over the past fifteen years, Ayaz has been consistently instructed in serious sexual offence cases, including those involving historic allegations and complex evidential frameworks. His handling of vulnerable witnesses and conduct of sensitive cross-examination have been commended by the judiciary.
He has appeared for the defence in numerous high-profile gang-related “grooming” prosecutions across England and Wales. A trained vulnerable witness advocate, he routinely conducts Section 28 hearings.
Ayaz has been instructed and retains instructions in respect of complex immigration related offending. These include the facilitation of and trafficking of foreign nationals. His experience includes the most complex and detailed investigations often undertaken by various agencies. These include the National Crime Agency, UK Border Agency, CPS and the Home Office.
Has appeared in some significant homicide cases. These have included allegations of gross negligence manslaughter and Murder. He is currently instructed in at least four homicide cases due for trial in 2021.
Ayaz continues to receive instructions in large-scale and complex frauds, particularly cases involving duty evasion and MTIC fraud. He has extensive experience managing cases involving voluminous financial and digital evidence and has frequently appeared as case leader in heavy fraud trials.
Recommendations
Appointments/Memberships
- Grays Inn
- Criminal Bar Association
Accreditations
