News

Unaoil Group companies summonsed as part of SFO’s ongoing corruption investigation

The Serious Fraud Office has commenced criminal proceedings against Unaoil Monaco SAM and Unaoil Ltd as part of an ongoing corruption prosecution.

Corporate criminal liability, AI and DPAs

Camilla de Silva, Joint Head of Bribery and Corruption, speaking at the Herbert Smith Freehills Corporate Crime Conference 2018.

Lisa Osofsky named next Director of the SFO

The Attorney General’s Office has today announced that Lisa Osofsky will be the next Director of the Serious Fraud Office.

New joint principles published to compensate victims of economic crime overseas

The agreement between the Crown Prosecution Service, National Crime Agency and the Serious Fraud Office establishes a common framework to jointly and transparently consider the issue of compensation in bribery, corruption and economic crime cases.

New charges in SFO’s Unaoil investigation in relation to US$733 million contract

Basil Al Jarah and Ziad Akle have both been charged with conspiracy to give corrupt payments to secure the award of a contract worth US$733 million to Leighton Contractors Singapore PTE Ltd for a project to build two oil pipelines in southern Iraq.

Camilla de Silva at 12th International Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Compliance Congress

Camilla de Silva, Joint Head of Bribery and Corruption, speaking at the 12th International Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Compliance Congress in Vienna on 14 May 2018.

Serious Fraud Office turns 30: marking our 30th anniversary

This month the Serious Fraud Office turned 30, to mark this milestone, we’ve taken a look back at some of the historical moments and notable cases from our three decades at the forefront of the UK’s fight against serious and complex, fraud, bribery and corruption.

Changes to SFO funding arrangements

Following publication of the Main Estimates today, the SFO can confirm changes to its funding arrangements. The changes are cost-neutral but will enable the SFO to manage its budget more flexibly and efficiently, with a significantly reduced call on the reserve.

Ultra Electronic Holdings PLC

The SFO confirms it has opened a criminal investigation in to suspected corruption in the conduct of business in Algeria by Ultra Electronic Holdings plc (“Ultra”), its subsidiaries, employees and associated persons.

AI powered ‘Robo-Lawyer’ helps step up the SFO’s fight against economic crime

Today, the Serious Fraud Office announced a significant upgrade to its document analysis capability as artificial intelligence is made available to all of its new casework from this month.

Mark Thompson appointed interim Director of the SFO

The Attorney General’s Office has today announced that Mark Thompson, currently Chief Operating Officer at the Serious Fraud Office, will be appointed Director on an interim basis pending the next permanent Director becoming available.

False contracts fraudster ordered to pay nearly £200,000

Carl Cumiskey was ordered by HHJ Gledhill QC to pay a confiscation order of £194,343 at a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 6 April 2018. The order is required to be satisfied in full within three months or a default sentence of 2 years will be activated.