Serious Fraud Office 2024-11-14

2024-11-14

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Patricia Ferguson Lab
Glasgow West
Context
The MP is concerned about economic crime and the effectiveness of government support to combat it.
What steps her Department is taking to support the Serious Fraud Office in tackling economic crime?
This Government are committed to cracking down on fraud. That is why we have confirmed an additional £9.3 million in funding to improve the performance of the Serious Fraud Office further, enhancing its case management and ensuring better systems for asset recovery.
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Q2 Partial Answer
Joe Powell Lab
Kensington and Bayswater
Context
Transparency International has assessed the UK as having reduced enforcement of foreign bribery measures, and no public confirmation of a new investigation since 2020.
What steps are being taken to ensure that the SFO actively fulfils its role as the primary enforcement body for foreign bribery?
I acknowledge my hon. Friend's proud track record in highlighting economic crime and his work in exposing dirty money. I met the director of the Serious Fraud Office yesterday in this House. We are working closely together to crack down on corruption, fraud, and bribery, and I assure my hon. Friend that the SFO is working incredibly hard in that area.
Assessment & feedback
Steps being taken specifically for foreign bribery enforcement were not detailed.
Working Closely Together Crack Down On Corruption
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Q3 Partial Answer
Patricia Ferguson Lab
Glasgow West
Context
In Scotland, more than 16,000 crimes involving fraud were committed in 2023-24, often online and observing no borders.
Will the Solicitor General advise the Chamber on whether the UK and Scottish fraud offices are co-operating on that issue?
My hon. Friend is correct to say that so often these terrible crimes do not respect borders. Fraud that is specific to Scotland is investigated by Police Scotland and prosecuted by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, which works closely with English-based agencies and the SFO where it is appropriate to do so. This Government are committed to strengthening the Union, and that extends to law enforcement in this area.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details on co-operation were not provided.
Strengthening The Union
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Q4 Direct Answer
Jeremy Wright Con
Kenilworth and Southam
Context
A new “failure to prevent” offence related to certain kinds of economic crime has been introduced.
Will she therefore reassure the House that she will work with colleagues across Government to ensure that businesses receive all the advice they need about how to put in place the reasonable anti-fraud measures?
I thank the right hon. and learned Gentleman for his question. Just this week guidance was published by the Home Office in conjunction with other organisational partners and the SFO in relation to preventing fraud, and that will of course entail working with business to ensure that it is operating as effectively as it can for those who are impacted by fraud, both individuals and businesses alike.
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Q5 Partial Answer
Jim Shannon DUP
Strangford
Context
A TV programme showed international criminal gangs and paramilitary groups working together across borders.
Has the Solicitor General had an opportunity to discuss how better to tackle those gangs, for instance by working better regionally, or by working together with the Republic of Ireland?
I cannot comment on any specific cases, but I know from my discussions with the director of the SFO that it is alive to those cross-jurisdictional issues. That is part of the purpose of the additional investment that the Government have provided to the SFO to ensure that its processes, investigations, and case management are as effective and nimble as they can be, including in tackling those cross-jurisdictional issues.
Assessment & feedback
Specific discussions on tackling gangs were not detailed.
Cannot Comment On Specific Cases
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Q6 Partial Answer
Ben Maguire Lib Dem
North Cornwall
Context
The Solicitors Regulation Authority labelled the Legal Services Board's report into Axiom Ince fraud as an opinion.
Can the Solicitor General clarify what mechanisms are in place to ensure that the regulator is properly regulated?
I welcome the hon. Member to his place. He raises an incredibly important point. This Government in general are committed to raising standards and rebuilding trust in the justice system. That means regulators working effectively with investigators in the public interest. He will know that, in accordance with long-established practice, it would not be proper for me to comment on the specific case that he mentions, but I can assure him that we will be working to ensure that regulators are working effectively with investigators in the public interest.
Assessment & feedback
Specific mechanisms for regulator oversight were not detailed.
Raising Standards Rebuilt Trust
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