Financial Crime Prosecution Rates

2021-09-16

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer

▸ Context

The question is prompted by concerns over the effectiveness of prosecution efforts in handling financial crimes, especially with the rise in cyber-related fraud cases.

What steps her Department is taking to help improve prosecution rates for financial crime. The CPS prosecuted more than 6,500 defendants for fraud and forgery in 2020-21 with an 85.6% conviction rate, while the SFO secured successful judicial outcomes in 84% of cases over the past four years.

Suella Braverman

The Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office both play a crucial role in tackling financial crime. In 2020-21, the CPS prosecuted more than 6,500 defendants for fraud and forgery, with an 85.6% conviction rate, and the SFO secured successful judicial outcomes in 84% of cases over the past four financial years.

▸ Assessment & feedback

The answerer did not provide specific steps being taken to improve prosecution rates for financial crimes, instead highlighting existing statistics.

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Q2 Partial Answer

Felicity Buchan

▸ Context

The question is prompted by the growing prevalence of cyber-related financial crimes, estimated at 86% of reported fraud cases. This rise has led to concerns about whether the CPS, SFO, and Action Fraud have the necessary skills and sense of urgency.

It is now estimated that 86% of reported fraud is cyber-related. I am concerned that the CPS, the SFO and Action Fraud need the right skills and sense of urgency to deal with this rising crime, which has devastating effects on people's lives. Can my right hon. and learned Friend update the House on that?

Suella Braverman

My hon. Friend rightly highlights the significant increase in cyber-crime. I am particularly interested in the issue, and last year I addressed the Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crime and outlined that cyber-crime is a key priority for this Government. That is why in March this year the CPS launched its first ever economic crime strategy, to ensure that it remains ahead of the changing nature of this complex crime.

▸ Assessment & feedback

The answerer did not provide an update on the steps taken specifically for skills and urgency but instead highlighted general initiatives and priorities.