Trend Stronger regulation making the UK a less attractive fraud target

Summary

The report suggests that tougher regulatory standards could reduce fraud offences, as fraudsters would come to see the UK and its public as less attractive targets. Among existing measures, the Procurement Act 2023 has since February 2025 excluded high-risk suppliers from government procurement to strengthen action on public sector fraud and corruption. The government has appointed an Anti-Corruption Champion and announced an Anti-Corruption Strategy, while the Economic Crime Plan 2 sets out a comprehensive approach to economic crime and illicit finance. The report argues that better investigation and enforcement raises public awareness and builds trust in the authorities. It adds that closer international coordination can set standards for cross-border cooperation that could also be used in other fields such as counter-terrorism.