§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Attorney-General if the Serious Fraud Office will investigate the franchising operation of Trophy International Animal Products Ltd. [14637]
The Solicitor-GeneralThe Serious Fraud Office undertakes criminal investigations and prosecutions only in cases of serious or complex fraud. Relevant factors in deciding whether to accept a case include the need for accountancy and investigative skills to be brought together and for the use of specialist statutory powers of the office. The moneys at risk or lost are usually at least £1 million.
If there is evidence of criminality in the franchising operations of Trophy International Products Ltd. which would appear to fall within the acceptance criteria, it should be drawn to the attention of the director of the Serious Fraud Office. If the evidence points to criminality, but not of the scale dealt with by the Serious Fraud Office, it should be drawn to the attention of the police for the matter to be investigated.