SFO conviction rate tops 90%

The rate, measured as defendants convicted over the number tried, has risen to 91% for 2009/10, up from 78% the previous year. Elsewhere fines against companies charged with acting fraudulently, which stood at zero in 2008/09, amounted to nearly £12m this year. The agency has managed to seize nearly a quarter of a million pounds in cash since November 2009, using new powers to be able to carry out searches for cash and retain the money as an investigation continues. Approximately £4m was paid out in direct compensation in 2009/10, up from "significantly" less than £1m the year be...