SFO: help us to unmask fraud
THE SERIOUS Fraud Office (SFO) yesterday unveiled a new service it hopes will “unmask fraud and bribery” in the City.
SFO Confidential is an online whistle-blowing tool that allows City workers to anonymously tip off the watchdog to any activity they think may be suspect. The service, which also includes a telephone hotline, promises to keep the identity of anyone offering information secure.
SFO boss Richard Alderman said: “I want people to come forward and tell us if they think there is fraud or corruption going on in their workplace. Executives, staff, professional advisors, business associates or trade competitors can talk to us in confidence. I have set up a special team to make the SFO readily accessible to whistleblowers. I want SFO Confidential to help flush out fraud.”
The watchdog has come under fire in recent weeks after sensationally dropping a two-and-a-half-year probe into collapsed hedge fund Weavering Capital.
It is also facing questions from property tycoon Vincent Tchenguiz, who was arrested in a dawn raid earlier this year but later released without charge.