SFO: Guidance: Make a corporate self-report

• Self-reports must be submitted by email and only corporate self-referrals will be assessed.
• Legal representatives can discuss potential self-referrals with the Director of Legal Services via a dedicated email address.

The SFO has published guidance for corporates on how to self-report cases of serious fraud, bribery, and corruption. Reports must be sent directly to the SFO's Intelligence Division by email, and only corporate self-referrals will be considered for assessment.

Legal representatives of corporates can now discuss potential self-referrals with the Director of Legal Services using a specific email address. The SFO also provides Corporate Cooperation Guidance for organisations seeking a non-prosecution outcome.

• Ensure all corporate self-reports of serious fraud, bribery or corruption are submitted to intelunit@sfo.gov.uk as specified by the SFO.
• Advise legal representatives to use GeneralCounsel@sfo.gov.uk for discussing potential self-referrals with the Director of Legal Services.
• Review the SFO's Corporate Cooperation Guidance to understand requirements for securing a non-prosecution outcome.

This guidance clarifies the official process for corporates to self-report serious fraud, bribery, and corruption to the SFO, which is crucial for compliance officers managing internal investigations and disclosures. Following the correct reporting channels and understanding the SFO's expectations can influence the outcome of enforcement actions, including the possibility of securing a non-prosecution agreement. Compliance teams must ensure they use the specified contacts and review the Corporate Cooperation Guidance to align their procedures with regulatory expectations.