Eversheds has expanded its disputes team in Birmingham with the hire of Pinsent Masons' head of fraud, Mark Surguy.

Surguy joined the national firm last week (10 January) as a partner in the commercial dispute resolution group from local rival Pinsents, where he was a legal director and head of the fraud group.

Surguy (pictured), who has more than 20 years' experience in commercial litigation and fraud, will work with Eversheds commercial dispute resolution head Gary Pellow and head of fraud Neill Blundell.

Surguy said: "The internationalisation of fraud and corruption through the internet, global banking system and IT revolution has caught a lot of people off guard. I am excited at the prospect of working with my new colleagues at Eversheds and drawing on their innovation and expertise."

Pellow added: "Mark's experience and reputation in successfully handling difficult cases for which it is not only money but reputation at stake further strengthens our commercial dispute resolution practice and our fraud group."

Eversheds' fraud team advises on investigations and proceedings brought by bodies including the Financial Services Authority, Serious Fraud Office, Revenue & Customs Prosecution Office, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Office of Fair Trading.

Pinsents litigation partner Mohan Bhaskaran has replaced Surguy as head of fraud and will work closely with disputes partner George Lubega.

The Pinsents team also comprises barristers Neil McInnes and Ben Long, who joined the firm at the end of last year from Bindmans and Furnival Chambers respectively.