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Operational divisions

There are four investigation and prosecution divisions, each headed by an Assistant Director. Each division contains a number of multi-disciplinary case teams comprising lawyers, financial investigators and support staff.

Each operational division covers cases of fraud committed in its own geographic area of the country within the SFO's jurisdiction. However, as a large proportion of cases originate in London these are shared between the divisions.

Accountancy Support and Forensic Computing

The head of accountancy is an Assistant Director, who is a senior chartered accountant. Accountancy support is allocated from a central resource when needed. This can include employing external accountancy expertise. A forensic computing unit is responsible for the seizure, processing and analysis of all electronic-based evidence. This Unit is involved in the UK Internet Crime Forum, G8 High Tech Working Group, and the UK Forensic Computing Group. A graphic designer assists case teams and counsel in the preparation of presentations for court hearings.

Policy

Policy Division undertakes legislation monitoring and provides legal advice to the Director. It also provides a library and research service for investigators and case lawyers.

It has a Mutual Legal Assistance Unit that deals with requests for search assistance from overseas authorities where the suspected fraud has occurred abroad but evidence exists in England Wales or N Ireland.

Telephone: 020 7239 7380
Fax: 020 7833 5442
Email: mla@sfo.gsi.gov.uk

Finance & Establishment Division

This division is responsible for:

• Financial planning and control and management accounts.
  Telephone: 020 7239 7025
  Fax: 020 7833 5496
• Information systems
• Business Planning
• Recruitment and training
• Facilities, general administration, security and maintenance
• Collation and management of exhibits, records and evidence gathered during investigations and used in trials.

Director's Office

The Director's Private Office provides administrative and executive support to the Director and to the head of accountancy. It is responsible for parliamentary relations and for arranging visits from overseas judicial and criminal law enforcement authorities.

Telephone: 020 7239 7272
Fax: 020 7833 1689
Email: private.office@sfo.gsi.gov.uk

Press and Information Office

The press office is responsible for media relations and public enquiries. It produces external publications, some internal information and maintains the SFO website and case tracking system.

Telephone: 020 7239 7000
Fax: 020 7837 1173
Email: press.office@sfo.gsi.gov.uk