Financial fraud
Freedom of Information (FOI) Act request ref: 01/FIN/25/003442/B
Version Date: 30/07/2025
The Performance Analysis Department has provided the following information.
Data Source:
Niche crime information system
Data Processing:
Keyword search for crimes within the OEL on: Investment scam, Pension fraud, Cryptocurrency scam, Forex trading scam, Boiler room scheme and Fake bonds.
Limitations/Caveats:
The primary agency for reporting fraud is not the police but Action Fraud. As a result, the Force will hold only a fraction of the fraud held by Action Fraud
The purpose of this request is to gather data on reported investment scams and the outcomes of these reports, specifically how many resulted in convictions.
Note: For the purpose of this request, "investment scams" refers to fraudulent schemes where individuals are deceived into making financial investments that result in loss. This includes, but is not limited to: pension fraud, cryptocurrency scams, forex trading scams, boiler room schemes, fake bonds or shares, and any other deceptive investment opportunities promoted with the intent to defraud.
Specifically, I am seeking anonymised data on the following from January 2020 to July 2025:
The total number of investment scam reports received by your force, broken down by calendar year (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and partial data for 2025).
|
Year |
Type of fraud |
Total |
|
2021 |
Investment scam |
2 |
|
2022 |
Pension fraud |
1 |
|
2023 |
Investment scam |
2 |
|
2024 |
Investment scam |
1 |
|
Grand Total |
|
6 |
There were zero Cryptocurrency scam, Forex trading scam, Boiler room scheme or Fake bonds during this period reported to the Force.
Of these reports, the number of cases that have resulted in criminal convictions
No information held, the police only deal with arrests and charges; convictions are dealt with by His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS): HM Courts & Tribunals Service - GOV.UK
Under Section 16 of the FOIA 2000, it is my duty to provide you with advice and assistance where possible. I have therefore provided details of the outcomes we do hold in the table below.
|
Latest stats class status |
Total |
|
18: Investigation complete no suspect identified |
4 |
|
15: Police - named suspect, victim supports but evidential difficulties |
2 |
Only if held, the details of those convictions, including:
No information held
Type of sentence (e.g., fine, custodial sentence)
No information held
Amount of any fine issued
No information held
Length of custodial sentences, where applicable
No information held