Covid-19 related Fraud Prosecutions 2023-12-07
2023-12-07
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Discussions between the Serious Fraud Office and relevant government officials regarding the prosecution of COVID-19 related fraud cases.
What recent discussions has she had with the Serious Fraud Office on the prosecution of covid-19 related fraud?
The Attorney General and I regularly meet with the SFO director; however, the vast majority of covid fraud cases do not fall within the SFO's remit, and investigations are handled by the most appropriate agency. Recently, as the hon. Gentleman will have heard, I visited the Insolvency Service and heard about its excellent work in relation to bounce bank loans.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details about recent discussions with the SFO on prosecution of COVID-19 related fraud cases.
I Visited The Insolvency Service And Heard About Its Excellent Work In Relation To Bounce Bank Loans.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns raised by the former director of the Serious Fraud Office that red flags were ignored and a Parliament spending watchdog estimates potential fraud of £16 billion.
Given the statement by the former director of the Serious Fraud Office that red flags were ignored, and that Parliament's own spending watchdog estimates potential fraud of £16 billion, how much has been recovered to date and what further lessons have been learned and applied to ensure that identification and prevention of fraud is embedded across all Government Departments, and why are the UK Government not recovering that fraud with the same zeal and determination that they have for impoverishing benefit claimants who have had overpayments through no fault of their own?
I entirely refute and disagree with the hon. Gentleman's final comment, but he will be pleased to know that the new director of the SFO has set off apace. He has launched new investigations. There is a new energy and a new rigour within the SFO, but I repeat that it is not just the SFO that conducts such investigations; the Insolvency Service is also involved, and is also carrying out some excellent work.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details on amounts recovered from fraud or lessons learned, nor addressed the comparison to benefit claimants' overpayments recovery efforts.
I Entirely Refute And Disagree With The Hon. Gentleman'S Final Comment.
Response accuracy