SFO Brings First Charges Under The Bribery Act 2010

On August 14, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) published a press release announcing that it has charged four men with offenses of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and conspiracy to furnish false information, contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977, in connection with the investigation by the SFO into the promotion and selling of "bio fuel" investment products to UK investors.  The value of the alleged fraud is approximately £23 million, and the offenses are said to have taken place between April 2011 and February 2012.  The SFO has also charged three of those four men with offenses of making and accepting a financial advantage, contrary to sections 1(1) and 2(1) of the Bribery Act 2010.  These are the first charges to be brought by the SFO under the Bribery Act.  Press Release.  Investigation.