Written question asked by Sandy Martin (Labour) on Monday, 14 October 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 October 2019. It was answered by Michael Ellis (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 October 2019 on behalf of the Attorney General.

Fraud: Prosecutions

Question: To ask the Attorney General what steps his Office is taking to prosecute alleged frauds involving multiple persons who cannot afford to bring civil cases against the alleged perpetrators.

Answer

Both the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Serious Fraud Office (SFO) are responsible for prosecuting cases of fraud.

They act in the public interest and can prosecute whether or not civil proceedings are in progress.

The government has taken concerted action over recent years to reduce the costs of civil litigation, and that work continues.

Secondary information