Fraud investigation and the ‘flawed architecture’ of counter fraud entities in the United Kingdom

This paper considers the multiple entities in the public and private sector in the UK focused upon investigating fraud and argues their architecture is flawed for effectively countering fraud. The paper maps the different entities engaged in countering fraud and provides an analytical framework for assessing their foundations. It then moves on to show how this architecture has consequences for many in their capacity, independence and ultimately survival. The paper concludes with some possible areas of reform which require further consideration and research to address this gap. In undertaking this, the paper draws upon publicly available documents, survey data and semi-structured interviews drawn from various personnel working in the field of counter fraud in the police, local authorities, the National Health Service, government departments and agencies, private sector and other relevant fraud bodies.

► Fraud is one of the most expensive crimes to society. ► There are hundreds of entities of varying forms investigating fraud. ► These vary in their status, history and culture, and functional and geographical domination. ► The consequence of this «flawed architecture' is variation in the effectiveness of countering fraud.