United Kingdom: Crime

The SFO has today announced its 13th deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with Ultra Electronics Holdings Ltd (formerly Plc) (Ultra) in relation to a failure to prevent bribery.

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 (the “Act”) extends the application of senior manager attribution provisions from economic crimes to all criminal offences.

The High Court has dismissed an application for an interim mandatory injunction to prevent a bank from closing personal current accounts, examining claims of breach of contract and alleged failures under the Equality Act 2010. The decision explores the complex interplay between banks' anti-money laundering obligations, their contractual rights to terminate customer relationships, and the practical constraints imposed by tipping-off prohibitions when financial crime concerns arise.

In our first edition of the Enforcement Newsletter for 2026, we consider the following updates relating to economic crime and regulation in the United Kingdom (UK)...

The Home Office has announced record funding to help make faith communities across the United Kingdom safer. For the financial year 2026 to 2027...

The UK Information Commissioner has published guidance on a new lawful basis for processing personal data under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025. This recognised legitimate interest basis allows controllers to rely on five pre-approved conditions without conducting traditional balancing tests, fundamentally shifting how organisations can justify data processing activities while maintaining compliance obligations.

The Casey Review – Baroness Casey's report published in June 2025, following the National Audit on Grooming-Based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse – sets out 12 recommendations to address four key aims.

From 18 November 2025, UK Companies House will require all directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) to complete mandatory identity verification, aiming to improve transparency and reduce corporate fraud.

The prosecution claimed that two cars were involved in a chase along Plumstead High Street, during which shots were fired from one vehicle towards the other.