Deferred prosecution agreements may be introduced to tackle economic crime
Deferred prosecution agreements (DPAs) could be introduced to help tackle economic crime, the Ministry of Justice has announced. DPAs offer companies a chance to “self-report” by publicly admitting wrongdoing and meeting conditions such as financial penalties, monitoring and internal reform. The process is overseen by a judge. In return, they are not prosecuted.
Richard Shave, director of forensic accounting at BDO LLP, says: “DPAs will help prosecutors deal with a higher number of cases which will mean systems and controls can be tightened up in more and more major UK companies, which should aid prevention and detection rates in the future.”
The consultation, “Deferred Prosecution Agreements”, closes on 9 August 2012.
