SERIOUS FRAUD OFFICE

Hardback. Business fraud in Britain in 1994 was estimated at costing some £6 billion. It is the single most damaging white-collar crime in the country, with its perpetrators becoming ever more devious and ingenious. The 1987 Criminal Justice Act recognised how bad the problem was when it proposed a new, specialist outfit to deal with high-profile frauds. Consequently, the Serious Fraud Office came into being in April 1988 to investigate frauds of more than £1 million; this was soon raised to £5 million as fraud became bigger and more complex. Unfortunately the SFO's record of obtaining convictions is calling its existence into question. Is there a flaw in the SFO's structure? Or are the spectacular gaffes merely the result of incompetence and poor judgement? The author's timely and provacative assessment explores the history and organisation of the SFO, examining in detail the roles of SFO director at the time, George Staple and former boss Barbara Mills. A fast-moving, perceptive and rigorous examination of a severely pressssurised institution. Features amongst others : Blue Arrow, County NatWest, Asil Nadir and Nazmu Virani. Illus. + Index. 244pp 8vo. h/back. F. in F. dw.