SFO's criteria for taking on a case
By law we can investigate only those cases where there is evidence to show that serious or complex fraud, and corruption has taken place.
To determine the seriousness and complexity of a particular matter then it may be useful to ask yourself the following questions:
The key factors we consider before taking on a case:
- 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 and complex: what do we look for?
In addition to the above criteria we look for factors such as:
Is it serious?
- 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
Is it complex?
- Whether the case involves multiple countries
- Whether the evidential material 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 submit as much information as possible, in total confidence, at:
https://report.sfo.gov.uk/sfo-confidential---provide-information-in-confidence.aspx
or contact us directly through our SFO Confidential hotline on 0207 239 7388.
