Written question asked by Jonathan Djanogly (Conservative) on Monday, 20 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 October 2008. It was answered by Vera Baird (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 November 2008 on behalf of the Solicitor General.

Fraud

Question: To ask the Solicitor-General what criteria are used to determine whether a fraud case is prosecuted by the (a) Serious Fraud Office and (b) Fraud Prosecution Service.

Answer: [holding answer 23 October 2008]: Serious Fraud Office and Fraud Prosecution Service decisions on whether or not to prosecute an offence, of any kind, are taken in accordance with the principles set out in the Code for Crown Prosecutors, issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions under Section 10 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985.Cases must meet one or more of the following criteria: the allegations involve a loss, or risk of loss more than £750,000 for the Fraud Prosecution Service or in excess of £1 million for the Serious Fraud Office; there is a national publicity and/or wide spread public concern; highly specialised knowledge is required; a significant element of the case involves inquiries in a foreign jurisdiction.

Secondary information