Guralp v SFO—a narrow squeak?

The Guralp case has given the Serious Fraud Office a welcome boost, writes Jonathan Fisher KC, but lessons can still be learned

The ruling in Guralp allows the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) to take enforcement action after a key term of a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) had been breached by a defendant company.
It is essential that terms of a DPA must be simply stated. And the SFO would be well advised to improve its arrangements for diarising important dates and allowing a margin around them.
The SFO may also reflect on whether a DPA ought to have been made in a case where a company is unable to pay a fine and legal costs.

Last month’s High Court ruling in Guralp Systems Ltd v Director of the Serious Fraud Office [2026] EWHC 37 (Admin) gives a much-needed boost to the fortunes of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), recently battered by the loss of R v Hayes; R v Palombo [2025] UKSC 29 in

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content

If you are already a subscriber sign in

...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

Guralp v SFO—a narrow squeak?

Issue: 8149 / Categories: Features , Fraud , Criminal , Governance , Company

The Guralp case has given the Serious Fraud Office a welcome boost, writes Jonathan Fisher KC, but lessons can still be learned

The ruling in Guralp allows the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) to take enforcement action after a key term of a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) had been breached by a defendant company.
It is essential that terms of a DPA must be simply stated. And the SFO would be well advised to improve its arrangements for diarising important dates and allowing a margin around them.
The SFO may also reflect on whether a DPA ought to have been made in a case where a company is unable to pay a fine and legal costs.

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content

If you are already a subscriber sign in

...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

SourceURL:

Links:

E-newsletter Sign-Up

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Read All

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau strengthens Sheffield regulatory practice with new hires

Sackers—Louise McRae & Annabella Hwang

Sackers recruits new associates

McHale & Co—Shaun Little & Patrick Byrne

Firm bolsters senior team with head of corporate and head of employment

NEWS

Read All

NLJ this week: A cautionary tale of bankruptcy and digital promises

A wide-ranging Civil Way column highlights developments from insolvency procedure to employment law, but one case stands out for its lessons on bankruptcy, family homes and digital communications

NLJ this week: Trade mark reality check for expanding brands

A sprawling Intellectual Property Office battle between House of Fraser and Frasers Property has delivered a masterclass in modern trade mark law

NLJ this week: Relocation battles demand more than good intentions

Courts in England and Wales and Singapore are increasingly confronting complex disputes over international child relocation as families become more globally mobile

NLJ this week: Domestic abuse reform faces its hardest test

The government’s long-awaited family law reform consultation could mark a turning point for domestic abuse victims navigating financial remedy proceedings, but significant challenges remain

NLJ this week: Open justice push brings experts into the spotlight

A new commercial court pilot giving the public access to documents used in hearings, including expert reports, is raising difficult questions about transparency and privacy

Error message

Guralp v SFO—a narrow squeak?

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Sackers—Louise McRae & Annabella Hwang

McHale & Co—Shaun Little & Patrick Byrne