Government launches next phase of Independent Review into Fraud Offences

The Government has announced the commencement of Part 2 of the Independent Review on Disclosure and Fraud Offences, led by Jonathan Fisher KC, focusing on how the criminal justice system responds to what is now considered Britain’s most prevalent and costly crime: fraud.

Building on findings from Part 1 (presented to Parliament in March 2025), this next phase will examine the entire fraud lifecycle from early detection to rehabilitation with an emphasis on whether current systems, laws and penalties are fit for purpose in an era of increasingly sophisticated digital crime.

Key areas of focus will include:

• Detection and Reporting – strengthening disruption tactics, whistleblower incentives and informant engagement.
• Investigation – enhancing tools, skills and cross-sector collaboration (including internationally).
• Prosecution and Offences – reviewing the Fraud Act 2006, AI-facilitated offences and the case for civil penalties.
• Court Processes – evaluating the readiness of courts to manage complex fraud trials.
• Sentencing – considering more creative and proportionate punitive options, especially for corporate offenders.
• Rehabilitation – reviewing support systems for victims and the rehabilitation of offenders.

The comprehensive review is expected to shape future policy and legislative responses to economic crime in the UK.

Full announcement: [GOV.UK News Release]
Part 1 Report: [Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences]

Jonathan is a leading King’s Counsel in Financial Crime, Proceeds of Crime, Fraud (Civil and Criminal), and Tax (Corporate and VAT) cases. Additionally, he holds a PhD from LSE where he teaches LLM students as a Visiting Professor in Practice: [Jonathan Fisher KC Profile]