We have outlined the different 'types of fraud' that we typically deal with. However, we only take on the most significant cases using the guidance below:
The key factors we consider before taking on a case are:
- Does the value of the alleged fraud exceed £1 million?
- Is there a significant international dimension?
- Is the case likely to be of widespread public concern?
- Does the case require highly specialised knowledge, e.g. of financial markets?
- Is there a need to use the SFO's special powers, such as Section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act?
Serious or Complex: what do we look for?
In addition to the above criteria we look for factors such as:
Seriousness
- Whether the case involves or is linked to organised crime
- Whether the fraud will impact on the integrity of the financial market
- Whether there is a wider group than shareholders or creditors who have lost money as a result of the alleged fraud
- Whether the fraudsters have targeted financial institutions and government (local or central) or other public serving authorities
Complexity
- Whether the case involves multiple countries
- Whether the evidence to be obtained during the course of the investigation will be found in multiple locations (within the UK or in other countries)
- Whether the case involves multiple and complex financial transactions - e.g. involving many companies, accounts, Trusts and countries
- Whether the investigation will need to involve a large accountancy analysis
If your case of fraud fits the above criteria, then please contact our SFO Confidential reporting line on 0207 7239 7388 or fill out our anonymous form at https://report.sfo.gov.uk/sfo-confidential---provide-information-in-confidence.aspx with as much information as possible.
