The Government has announced that Dr Jonathan Fisher KC is now proceeding with Part 2 of the Independent Review on Disclosure of Unused Materials in Criminal Cases and Fraud Offences.
In Part 2, Jonathan will consider key issues in each of the following stages of the fraud-life cycle:
1. Reporting & Disruption – The means and methods by which law enforcement agencies can detect and disrupt fraudulent activities. This will include evaluating incentives for criminal fraud networks informants and whistleblowers.
2. Investigation – The skills, tools and powers required for investigators to rapidly pursue leads, review case material, and share relevant data with private partners and other law enforcement agencies, including internationally.
3. Prosecution & Offences – Evaluating whether fraud offences and the Fraud Act 2006 can keep pace with modern offending. Assessing enablers of fraud, such as ID theft, abuse of deed poll and the use of artificial intelligence. Considering whether there should be a greater role for civil penalties.
4. Courts – Assessing whether criminal courts are equipped to hear complex fraud cases.
5. Penalties – Whether the current penalties fit the crime. Looking beyond custodial sentences, the Review will consider if courts should be able to use more creative punitive measures. This will include evaluating penalties for companies failing in their duties to reduce and prevent fraud.
6. Rehabilitation – Consideration will be given to whether the current network of support for victims is sufficient and what more can be done to rehabilitate offenders.
Click here for further information about the review.
Part 1 of Jonathan’s Independent Review was presented to Parliament on 20 March 2025.R