Harris Discusses SFO’s Recent Targeting of Complex Domestic Fraud

Kathleen Harris, head of the firm’s London office, was recently quoted in the Law360 article, “SFO's Ephgrave Targets Fraud In Push To Kick Down Doors.” The article discusses the UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO)’s recent targeting of large-scale, complex domestic fraud cases in the months since Nick Ephgrave, the current director of the white-collar enforcement agency, took charge.

Speaking to Law360 about one of the agency’s recent investigations into the client account of a legal services firm, Harris said that the “evidence gathered by administrators was useful,” but that it is important the SFO “form its own independent view due to the higher standard of proof in criminal cases.” She added that the growth and sophistication of fraud warrants action by the agency, but “pressure will be on the SFO to deliver results and apply the law correctly” and “any case where the SFO has complete control over the investigation is likely to result in quicker decisions.” However, Harris clarified that the SFO should not lose focus on any global enforcement efforts that it is part of “and has the statutory powers to utilize.”

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