White Collar Crime & Investigations Partner Alison Geary spoke to Reuters on the news that the next Director of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) will be former senior Metropolitan Police officer Nick Ephgrave.
The SFO is a non-ministerial department and is a specialist investigating and prosecuting authority that looks to prevent serious or complex fraud, bribery and corruption in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Alison commented: "The appointment of a senior police officer as the Director of the SFO is a notable departure from tradition. Whilst the position has historically been filled by lawyers, this decision acknowledges the dual responsibilities of the SFO under the Roskill model: to act not only as an effective prosecutor but also as a formidable investigator. Mr Ephgrave's extensive leadership experience will be welcome, there will be tough decisions ahead to ensure the agency meets it responsibilities in relation to both requirements."
Related coverage
Reuters
The Daily Mail