This page provides feedback on the use of Suspicious Activity Report information by Law Enforcement

Use of SARS

Feedback Example Ref: SF1

A singular SAR received by a UK Police Force concerned an individual who had not previously been the subject of Law Enforcement attention within the UK. Subsequent checks on the SAR highlighted the fact that the individual was wanted by a foreign jurisdiction for a major fraud and extradition proceedings have been commenced. This is an excellent example of the importance of SARs in assisting UK Law Enforcement in the identification and location of subjects wanted by both national and international law enforcement bodies. This SAR has provided a good example of international co-operation.

Feedback Example Ref: SF2

As a direct result of numerous SARs a joint investigation was conducted by a UK Police Force with the relevant regulatory body relating to a Credit Union. The SARs highlighted a deficit of over £500,000 and after further investigation the Credit Union was dissolved and a compensation package formulated to protect the members. This is a good example of how SARs have helped reduce harm in the community. Had the SARs not been submitted and investigated, the organisation would have 'gone under' and vulnerable members of a community would have potentially faced financial hardship.

Feedback Example Ref: SF3

A single SAR revealed a link between an individual and a well known criminal which pushed the existing financial investigation forward and assisted in the discovery of the nature of the predicate offence - insurance fraud. There was one conviction for obtaining money transfers by deception; one conviction for money laundering and over £250,000 was subject to confiscation. This is a good example of how a SAR can assist an ongoing investigation and identify previously unknown details that can have a significant impact on the progress of an investigation.

Feedback Example Ref: SF4

An individual’s full identity was confirmed as a result of research performed on several SARs received. An operation was conducted and as a result there were nine arrests made for money laundering, possession of firearms, burglary and immigration offences. This is a good example of how a SAR can have a major effect on the course of an investigation by corroborating existing intelligence.

Feedback Example Ref: SF5

A SAR on a relatively minor financial transaction has recently led to the arrest of an individual for money laundering and drug trafficking. Enquiries into the subject of the SAR identified a property portfolio which was inconsistent with the subject's status. Production Orders were obtained in order to evidence the intelligence provided by the SAR. The subject was arrested and searches revealed suspected criminal property valued in excess of £1.5 million and several hundred thousand pounds worth of controlled drugs.