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Fraud crimes by directors 'up 313%'

Published on 17 Jul 2009 under category: legal

There has been a rise of more than 300 per cent in company directors committing fraud crimes, according to the latest figures.

Statistics from the British Crime Survey show a 313 per cent increase in this type of incidents.

This represents a rise from 198 to 818 cases during the 12 months leading up to March 2009.

Meanwhile, forgery and fraud crimes have increased by five per cent, the statistics show, while fraudulent credit card instances jumped by four per cent.

In reaction to these figures, Alan Johnson, the home secretary, commented: "As in previous years, we see changing patterns of crime and we know that during economic downturns certain crimes face upward pressure, which is why we've already taken action to tackle these head-on."

Earlier this week, Richard Alderman, director of the Serious Fraud Office, told the Financial Times that it is "very interested" to hear from the public on matters linking the City and fraud crimes.