News

SFO secures £5.45m confiscation order against ex-Afren CEO and COO

The SFO has today secured confiscation orders totalling £5,450,000 against the former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Afren. Former CEO Osman Shahenshah was ordered to pay £2,935,000 and former COO Shahid Ullah was ordered to pay £2,515,000.

Second former Unaoil executive sentenced for bribery in post-occupation Iraq

Stephen Whiteley, Unaoil’s former territory manager for Iraq, has today become the second Unaoil executive to be sentenced for paying over $500,000 in bribes to secure a $55m contract to supply offshore mooring buoys. He was sentenced by HHJ Beddoe to 3 years’ imprisonment.

SFO charges GPT and three individuals following corruption investigation

The Serious Fraud Office has brought charges against GPT Special Project Management Ltd and three individuals in connection with its investigation into allegations concerning the conduct of GPT’s business in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

HMCPSI Inspection of SFO’s response to COVID-19: 16 March to 8 May 2020

The HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) conducted a review of the SFO’s immediate response to Covid-19.

Former Unaoil executive sentenced to five years for bribery in post-occupation Iraq

Ziad Akle has been sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for paying over $500,000 in bribes to secure a $55m contract to supply offshore mooring buoys.

SFO Annual Report and Accounts 2019-2020

Statement from the Director. I present the Annual Report for the Serious Fraud Office for the reporting year 2019-20.

SFO receives approval for DPA with G4S Care & Justice Services (UK) Ltd

The Serious Fraud Office has today received final approval to enter into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with G4S Care and Justice Services (UK) Ltd (G4S C&J) relating to a scheme to defraud the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) in connection with contracts for electronic monitoring of offenders. In entering the DPA, G4S C&J has accepted responsibility for three offences of fraud against the MoJ arising from the scheme to deceive the MoJ as to the true extent of G4S C&J’s profits between 2011 and 2012 from its contracts for the provision of electronic monitoring services. The scheme was designed to prevent the MoJ from attempting to decrease G4S C&J’s revenues under those contracts. The Director of the Serious Fraud Office, Lisa Osofsky, said: “This DPA ensures G4S C&J is held accountable for its methodical fraud against the Ministry of Justice. The DPA reflects our continued commitment to using the full range of tools available to us to hold corporates to account and ensure justice for victims of fraud.”

Former Unaoil executives guilty of giving corrupt payments for oil contracts in post-occupation Iraq

The SFO has secured convictions against two former oil executives who conspired to give corrupt payments to secure contracts in Iraq.

SFO receives approval in principle for DPA with G4S Care and Justice Services (UK) Ltd

Following the announcement from G4S Plc, the Serious Fraud Office can confirm that it has today received approval in principle to enter into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with G4S Care and Justice Services (UK) Ltd (G4S C&J), a wholly-owned subsidiary of G4S Plc.

SFO closes investigation into De La Rue Plc

Following extensive investigation and a thorough and detailed review of the available evidence, the SFO has concluded that this case did not meet the relevant test for prosecution as defined in the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

SFO formally responds to HMCPSI reports

Following the HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI)’s reviews into case progression, and leadership and management at the SFO, the SFO has formally responded to the observations and recommendations made by the Inspectors.

Michelle Crotty appointed Chief Capability Officer as John Carroll becomes permanent Chief Operating Officer

Following a fair and open competition, John Carroll has been confirmed in his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the SFO. He will be joined by Michelle Crotty, who has been appointed as Chief Capability Officer (CCO).