UK Financial Intelligence Unit

The UK Financial Intelligence Unit (UKFIU) has national responsibility for receiving, analysing and disseminating intelligence submitted through the Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) regime, to share with law enforcement agencies at home and internationally. The UKFIU sits at the heart of the regime, providing the gateway to reporters and a repository of data to inform law enforcement.

Preventing and disrupting organised crime and terrorist finance

Illicit finance and money laundering underpin and enable most forms of organised crime. This activity allows criminals to further their operations and conceal their assets which impacts the national security of the United Kingdom.

The UKFIU’s work with SARs plays a critical role in alerting law enforcement to potential instances of money laundering and terrorist financing. SARs are a vital source of intelligence, not only on economic crime but on a wide range of criminal activity. They are instrumental in, and have helped with, identifying fraud victims, sex offenders, murder suspects, missing persons, people traffickers, fugitives and terrorist financing.

The UKFIU is housed within the National Crime Agency’s National Economic Crime Centre (NECC).

Suspicious Activity Reports

Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) alert law enforcement to potential money laundering or terrorist financing. SARs are made by financial institutions and professionals such as solicitors, accountants and estate agents. They can also be submitted by private individuals where they have suspicion or knowledge of money laundering or terrorist financing.

SARs are not crime or fraud reports; if someone wishes to report a crime or a fraud they should contact their local police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.