Powered by Lexis+®
Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Ephgrave resets the UK SFO: domestic fraud prioritised, quicker charging decisions, dawn raids and asset-tracing, under ECCTA 2023’s broader corporate liability—without abandoning complex overseas bribery

Published on: 19 March 2024

Published by a Law360 reporter
Legal News
Article summary

The new probe into an alleged investment scam run by the property developers Carlauren Group

The fresh inquiry into a purported investment fraud linked to property developer Carlauren Group signals that the white-collar watchdog is zeroing in on sprawling, intricate domestic scams that have left tens of thousands short-changed. Prioritising fraud underscores the magnitude of the challenge confronting consumers across Britain, while also indicating that Ephgrave recognises the SFO must bring matters to a conclusion more rapidly.

According to Alex Swan of Greenberg Traurig LLP, the director has plainly committed to tackling fraud and to sending a strong message that the SFO will not only chase what some see as ‘big ticket’ cross-border work, but will also safeguard members of the UK public who have been defrauded.

This case follows a succession of arrests and searches executed by the SFO since Ephgrave succeeded Lisa Osofsky in September 2023. In his first address, Ephgrave vowed the SFO would be faster, quicker, bolder and ‘more efficient’, with a goal of trimming the typical duration of white-collar investigations from five years to three...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Popular documents

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Read More Right Arrow

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Read More Right Arrow

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Read More Right Arrow

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...

Read More Right Arrow