United Kingdom: Criminal Law

Further to our recent update, on 7 November 2024, the UK government published its long-awaited guidance on the failure to prevent fraud offence; setting out the key principles businesses must follow to remain compliant with the law, and implement reasonable procedures to ensure the availability of a defence.

Further to our recent update, on 6 November 2024 the UK government published its long-awaited guidance on the failure to prevent fraud offence; setting out the key principles businesses must follow to remain compliant with economic crime legislation, and to implement reasonable procedures.

At a recent All-Party Parliamentary Group and Spotlight on Corruption event, the UK's newly appointed anti-corruption champion Baroness Hodge repeated calls for a new offence that would hold "professional enablers", including lawyers and accountants, liable for failing to prevent economic crime.