§ Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people specialise in combating overseas bribery in(a) the National Criminal Intelligence Service, (b) the National Crime Squad and (c) other law enforcement agencies. [163487]
§ Ms BlearsThe National Criminal Intelligence Service holds a responsibility to maintain a national register of reports made of suspected cases of overseas bribery, and two officers, including a senior manager, are involved in the work as part of a wider set of responsibilities they have.
In the National Crime Squad there are no officers or staff dedicated solely to combating overseas bribery. However, the coercion and corruption of law enforcement officers and public officials is characteristic of the way in which serious and organised criminals operate. Consequently, when required, significant resources are invested by the National Crime Squad in combating this threat—both in the UK and overseas.
The Solicitor-General will answer the separate question regarding the Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Fraud Office.