It's a role reversal for the Serious Fraud Office to be helping with inquiries, but this is just what happened when the BBC knocked on its door. The SFO helped develop a story line with the BBC for its long running radio 4 drama, The Archers.
One of the SFO's most experienced investigators was brought in to help and together with writers for the show set off on a line of inquiry which began with yesterday's episode, in which local businessman Matt Crawford is woken from his sleep to find local police and SFO investigators at his door.
They question him about the possible defrauding of a bank by Matt Crawford who they allege dishonestly represented Chalkman Crawford Capital Partners as solvent when he knew it was not.
It is likely that this particular story line is due to run for several months. The only advice the SFO can give Mr. Crawford is that it is in his interests to co-operate fully with them.
SFO Investigator Julian Parker who assisted the programme makers said, "It's been fascinating to have the opportunity to advise on such a wonderful and much loved show - the Archers team are first class."
Notes for editors:
The Serious Fraud Office is a government department responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious and complex fraud. The SFO is headed by the Director (Richard Alderman) who exercises powers under the superintendence of the Attorney General. These powers are derived from the Criminal Justice Act (1987).
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