Former tax inspector takes helm at SFO

A former tax inspector Richard Alderman is to take charge of the Serious Fraud Office in one month's time.

Alderman, a barrister, was the director of the Inland Revenue's special compliance office and oversaw 3,000 staff as he led criminal investigations 'similar in weight and complexity' to the work he will be doing at the SFO.

Alderman, 55, takes charge of the SFO at a tricky time for the organisation. Next month a judge is to make a ruling on a legal challenge to the SFO's decision to drop an investigation into alleged bribery by weapons company BAE Systems.

In a statement announcing the appointment, attorney-general Rt Hon Baroness Scotland QC said: 'I am delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Alderman.

'I look forward to working with him and I am sure all at the Serious Fraud Office are delighted that someone with such experience and strong expertise in complex fraud investigations, including notable work at Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, will be leading them in to the future'.

Further reading:

Read the attorney-general's statement here

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