Serious Fraud Office (UK)

COURT UPDATE: Two former employees and a former consultant of London Mining PLC will face trial on the 7th of April 2026 over allegations they paid bribes in Sierra Leone, following a hearing at Southwark Crown Court today. Former Chief Executive Officer Graeme Hossie and former Chief Financial Officer Rachel Rhodes were charged in 2023, with two counts of corruption and consultant Ariel Armon was charged with one count. It is alleged that they paid bribes to secure preferential treatment for the company’s mining business in Sierra Leone. You can read more about the case here https://lnkd.in/epsmcgwm

“As an apprentice, I have been able to experience in depth the many disciplines of communications which I would not be able to do in a permanent position, and in doing so I’ve discovered a love for internal communications, a career path I had never considered before.”   It's fantastic to see the SFO's own Megan Wingfield talk about her experience as a PR and Communications Apprentice. In her role, Megan has supported active investigations, engaged with key stakeholders, and communicated vital information to staff internally.   At the SFO, we’re always keen to recruit talent from a diverse and wide range of backgrounds. Take a look at our current opportunities online via Civil Service Jobs: https://ow.ly/t8Tx50V1ki0

Last week, I had the privilege of meeting with key partners in Singapore and Indonesia including the Attorney-General's Chambers, Singapore, Singapore Police Force Commercial Affairs Department and their impressive Anti Scam Command, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK), excellently supported by British High Commission Singapore and British Embassy Jakarta.   We had valuable discussions on the range of economic crime work - from prevention through to asset recovery. It was fascinating to see the innovative approaches being taken to tackling economic crime, and it has given me plenty to think about in terms of what the SFO can learn from.

It was great to see Attorney General Lucien Wong, this time in Singapore, together with his senior team, and to speak to prosecutors from the Attorney-General's Chambers, Singapore.   We spoke about the shared challenges our jurisdictions face and the importance of our strong, long-standing partnership, which is crucial in combatting global financial crime.   I look forward to continuing to work together to tackle economic crime across borders.

🔎 Did you catch this Sunday’s episode of Special Ops: To Catch a Criminal?   The programme featured SFO investigators explaining how they exposed three executives at Balli Steel Plc, who conspired to deceive trade finance banks by providing misleading information, false shipping documents and forged signatures on fake sales contracts.      Balli Steel bought and sold steel around the world using short-term loans from trade finance banks to fund its deals. The company collapsed in 2013 with around $500 million owed to over 20 creditor banks, triggering an investigation by the SFO.    In 2023 we secured convictions of two executives on six counts of fraud. Nasser Alaghband, CEO of Balli Steel, had pleaded guilty to one count of fraudulent trading, ahead of the 20-week trial.       Watch the full episode online here: https://ow.ly/vLRj50UR9QT

It’s #NationalApprenticeshipWeek and we’re proud to have an active apprenticeship programme, where colleagues can learn key skills and gain new experiences.       From digital forensics to accounting and taxation, our apprentices are working across our investigations and supporting the SFO in combating serious fraud, bribery, and corruption.       One of our investigators, Alex, shares his experience on working towards an apprenticeship at the SFO ⬇️        Keep an eye out for future opportunities on the Civil Service jobs website here https://lnkd.in/gJs9rSh     

“The SFO does crucial work to tackle complex fraud, bribery and corruption…under the new Director, the SFO has opened seven new overt investigations and charged ten defendants in cases involving more than 800 victims.” Answering questions in the House of Commons the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP spoke about her recent visit to the Serious Fraud Office. The Solicitor General was given a demonstration of our AI-powered Technology Assisted Review (TAR) pilot designed to identify key documents faster and deliver for victims and taxpayers.

Last chance to apply for the DMS Product Developer role! Join the SFO’s Information Management and Systems team to enhance our Document Management System, supporting our staff across casework and corporate services. As a Product Developer, you’ll work in an agile team to improve workflows, user interfaces and features, ensuring seamless processes for staff on complex fraud, bribery and corruption investigations. If you have the expertise we’re looking for and you’re excited about building smart digital solutions, apply now! https://lnkd.in/eXfpAtQU

We are hiring Principal Investigative Lawyers. As a Principal Investigative Lawyer, you will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution by providing strong leadership to drive cases forward delivering high quality outcomes by collaborating with a variety of internal and external stakeholders worldwide. We are looking for energetic, decisive individuals who are credible and empathetic leaders with the ability to manage and prioritise work. Apply by 5 March 2025. To apply, please review the advert on the Civil Service Jobs website by clicking here: https://bit.ly/40MYDcf #principalinvestigativelawyer #seriousfraudofficeuk #civilservice

🚨 Only one week left to apply to be an SFO case controller! As a case controller, you’ll lead a team of investigators and lawyers to deliver results on cases of serious and complex fraud, bribery and corruption.   You’ll oversee high-profile and dynamic investigations from case opening to prosecution, working closely with the Head of Division to plan your resource needs and contribute to the goals of your division and the SFO as a whole.   For more details or to apply, click here: https://bit.ly/4am8oCR