Fraud and Economic Crime 2024-05-09
2024-05-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The prevalence of fraud in the UK, with one-third of all crimes being related to economic fraud. The question highlights online scams targeting vulnerable individuals.
What steps she is taking to prosecute perpetrators of fraud and economic crime. Fraud accounts for a third of all crimes committed in this country, and increasingly we are seeing online scams. Vulnerable people often get caught up in phishing schemes.
The hon. Member is absolutely right. This is a particularly pernicious crime. It often targets the vulnerable and, sadly, in an interconnected and digital world, it is likely to increase. We will look very closely at all such matters.
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Assessment & feedback
specifically setting up an online crimes agency
We Will Look Very Closely At All Such Matters
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The prevalence of online fraud, especially targeting vulnerable individuals through phishing schemes.
Will the Government consider setting up an online crimes agency to clamp down specifically on online crimes, which will become more prevalent with the use of artificial intelligence?
The hon. Member is absolutely right. This is a particularly pernicious crime. It often targets the vulnerable and, sadly, in an interconnected and digital world, it is likely to increase. We will look very closely at all such matters. A number of joint strategies are shared between agencies in any event, but I am certainly very happy to look at her suggestion.
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Assessment & feedback
specifically setting up an online crimes agency
We Will Look Very Closely At All Such Matters
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There were 36 failed PPE contracts during the pandemic, costing over £1 billion. Only one company, PPE Medpro, has been named.
If the Government are serious about tackling fraud, why are they refusing to disclose the details of the other companies? How exactly were those contracts awarded, and can the Solicitor General update the House on how many prosecutions are pending?
His Majesty's Revenue and Customs remains committed to covid-19 scheme compliance, and will continue to prioritise the most serious cases of abuse. Specifically on prevention and recoveries, up to 30 September 2023, HMRC had prevented the payment, or recovered the overpayment, of over £1.6 billion-worth of grants, made up of £430 million that was prevented from being paid out and over £1.2 billion that was recovered from overpayments. By 30 September 2023, HMRC had opened 51 criminal investigations into suspected fraud within the schemes, and made a total of 80 arrests.
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Assessment & feedback
disclosure of failed PPE contract details and exact awarding process
His Majesty'S Revenue And Customs Remains Committed To Covid-19 Scheme Compliance
Response accuracy