A report by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) suggests that risks posed to law firms and the public by money laundering, cybercrime and suspect investment schemes have all reached record highs. Data revealed in the SRA’s annual Risk Outlook report shows that criminals are increasingly targeting law firms in order to steal tens of millions from businesses. Statistics include reports of money laundering relating to law firms having risen by two thirds since 2016; losses of £47.4m since 2015 due to possibly dubious investment schemes; and reports of cybercrime up 50% year-on-year, reaching a record high of 157 in 2017.
01 August 2018
Risks to law firms hit record highs
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Bell Yard Kysen—Liz Giles
Bell Yard Kysen appoints senior legal PR and ex-government communications adviser, Liz Giles
Clarke Willmott—Lee Edwards
Clarke Willmott boosts Southampton commercial property team with addition of partner Lee Edwards
Lime Solicitors—four promotions
Lime Solicitors announces four promotions
NEWS
The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, and Solicitor General, Andy Slaughter KC MP, marked the 25th anniversary of Pro Bono Week by joining lawyers, charities, students and parliamentarians at events celebrating voluntary legal work
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The Environment Agency can prosecute offences beyond environmental legislation where proceedings support its statutory functions, the Divisional Court has confirmed
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