In part two of our Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) episode, our panellists discuss the impact on economies, biodiversity and legitimate wildlife trade. They also talk about predicate crimes associated with IWT and the importance of international co-operation, such as that garnered during Project Anton, in tackling it. Information regarding the Statement of Principles, announced by the Prince of Wales at the United for Wildlife Global Summit in November, can be found here:...

In part one of our episode on the Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT), we are joined by panellists from Canada’s Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (FINTRAC) and the UK’s National Wildlife Crime unit (NWCU). Our panellists discuss the roles of their organisations and outline the differing threats between their respective countries, but highlight the similar typologies used by serious organised crime groups. Reporters can access key messages and information on IWT related SARs...

In this episode, panellists from accountancy sector supervisory bodies discuss Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance within the sector. This includes specific cases where a firm may have AML concerns during Know Your Customer (KYC) and Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) practices. The panellists use their extensive knowledge to provide their perspectives on the sector as a whole and specifics relating to their areas of focus, from large accountancy firms to individual bookkeepers. There is...

In this episode, panellists from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) discuss the issue of money mules, including key indicators of money muling, types of money mules and strategies used to recruit potential money mules. For the subtitled version of this episode go to: https://youtu.be/bTSKvCIYq90 Acronyms used in this podcast: SARs: Suspicious Activity Reports Time Stamps: 00:11 Introduction 01:09 Money muling explanation 02:27 Money mule...

In this episode, panellists from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (UAEFIU) discuss the nature of MSBs and exchange houses in the UK and UAE, the risks of money laundering associated with both sectors, patterns of criminality, how this type of financial service has changed and why there is still a need for them in an increasingly cashless world. For the subtitled version of this episode go to: https://youtu.be/zSHK63hIugU Acronyms used in this...

We continue our series of podcasts focused on fraud. In this podcast we will be looking at fraud intensification. In 2022 the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC)  with assistance from the City of London Police, implemented a period of intensification of activity across law enforcement.  There were a number of objectives of this intensification: to increase public confidence that law enforcement is committed to tackling fraud offending in the UK; to act as a deterrent through the promoting...

Fraud Communications Fraud accounts for over 40% of all crime and recent statistics have shown that 1 in 15 people are a victim of fraud. To facilitate a coordinated response to tackling this, a framework has been developed by key partners, based on insight from across various sectors, to create a streamlined, comprehensive approach.  It is hoped that by having a consistent and comprehensive response to fraud, the public will be empowered to protect themselves and to act appropriately if...

As the number of choices available to banking customers in the UK has grown to include non-traditional platforms, the pool of institutions that regularly report SARs has expanded and diversified. Terms such as ‘challenger bank’, ‘digital bank’, ‘FinTech’, ‘e-wallet’, ‘e-money’ and ‘cryptocurrency exchange’ are now commonplace within the SARs regime and the terminology used to discuss these reporters can be crucial to understanding the different services that they offer. In this podcast, we...

In this edition we speak with the National Wildlife Crime Unit, examining the illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and how red flags can be potentially identified through Suspicious Activity Reports. IWT is a significant business, long reported as being the fourth largest crime in the world, and believed to generate approximately GBP 15 billion a year.

Episode 9 looks at how the UKFIU works with overseas partners, ensuring that intelligence on money laundering and financial crime is effectively shared with international partners and includes John O’Sullivan (UKFIU International manager) and USA ILO Mike Manley as panellists. Topics discussed are: ·  Demystifying some of the UKFIU international terms used in the SARs Annual Reports ·  Intelligence sharing with global partners ·  An explanation of the ILO network ·  Close working between...

In this edition we examine virtual assets – what they are, how they work, complexities faced by law enforcement and the role SARs and reporters can play. We hear from the NECC, the National Police Chiefs’ Council cybercrime programme and the reporting sector, and examine the impact of the fifth money laundering directive regulations on SARs regime stakeholders. Note: value based analysis of cryptocurrency/virtual assets referenced in the podcast was accurate at the time of recording.

Did you know that SARs are a valuable source of financial information for safeguarding potentially vulnerable members of society? Or that the UKFIU identifies and fast-tracks such SARs to police forces who will, in many cases, arrange visits by local officers to offer advice to prevent fraud or further losses? In this podcast we speak to reporters and law enforcement to learn the value of such fast-tracking and hear the measures they’re taking to help safeguard communities to prevent fraud.

In this podcast, we chat with Graeme Biggar, Director General of the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) and one of the National Crime Agency’s Executive Directors. Graeme discusses the work and remit of the NECC, particularly with regards to the UKFIU’s position in it; the headline figures from the 2020 Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) Annual Report; plans for the future of the UKFIU and the SARs regime; and how SARs can make a big difference in cutting serious organised crime.

County Lines describes gangs and organised criminal networks involved in moving illegal drugs across the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines, and frequently exploiting children and vulnerable adults to move drugs and money. In this podcast, we look at how Suspicious Activity Reports are being used to tackle this criminality, the UKFIU's work to identify this threat and the work being undertaken by the National County Lines Coordination Centre to enhance the law enforcement response.

In this episode we hear from law enforcement agencies and get their views on what, in their opinion, makes a good quality Suspicious Activity Report (SAR). We get their thoughts on the value of such financial intelligence and what reporters could be doing to help maximum benefit to law enforcement.

The latest UKFIU podcast looks at modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT) and the importance of SARs information in this. Reporters are in a unique position to help combat this crime.Panellists from the UKFIU and the NCA Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit discuss what assists law enforcement and helps to safeguard victims.

The UKFIU’s first podcast focuses on the SARs Frequently Asked Questions document aimed at helping reporters submit good quality SARs to provide maximum benefit to law enforcement.