With reference to the Press release issued today by the Office of Fair Trading - "OFT publishes report on cartel criminal sanctions", the Serious Fraud Office confirms that it has been in close touch with the OFT and the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the criminalisation of cartels.
The recommendation in the report that the SFO should be lead prosecutor will be reflected in legislation.
The SFO is happy to take on additional cases in relation to criminal cartels that fall within its remit. It is difficult to tell how many extra cases this might mean for the SFO.
(End of statement)
Note:
The OFT Press release and advice on how to acquire the report is posted on their web site http://www.oft.gov.uk
