Suspicious Activity Reports

Home Services Criminal Litigation Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering Suspicious Activity Reports

The UK’s anti-money laundering regime is one of the toughest in the world. Within that framework, Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) play a vital role in the gathering of intelligence by UK authorities about the activities of organised criminals as well as financial crime typologies and trends.

The NCA’s UK Financial Intelligence Unit (UKFIU) is responsible for receiving, analysing and disseminating intelligence submitted through the SARs regime. Its role is to alert law enforcement agencies, both at home and abroad, to potential instances of money laundering and terrorist financing.

A SAR can be made where a person suspects or knows that money laundering is taking place. Regulated persons are required to make such a report, and failure to do so is a criminal offence.

A person is able to make a Defence Against Money Laundering (DAML) request where they wish to carry out a transaction but suspect the proceeds of crime may be involved.

We provide our clients with expert advice on when to make SARs to the NCA, and on compliance with the SARs regime including tipping-off provisions.

For more information please contact one of our specialist AML lawyers.