FRAUD CRACKDOWN NETS MILLIONS.

FRAUD CRACKDOWN NETS MILLIONS.

Police in Scotland have tracked down £37 million of fraud and prosecuted over 75 cases according to figures released to SNP MSP Jamie Hepburn.

The Scottish Government also confirmed that the National Fraud Initiative will be given statutory force in the upcoming Criminal Justice Bill whilst the Scottish Government is also working with Police on establishing a National Fraud Unit.

Mr Hepburn, who had raised the questions after a constituent highlighted issues of internet fraud, welcomed the efforts and the inclusion of fraud in the Criminal Justice bill.

The National Fraud Initiative tracks down fraud involving the public sector whether large scale benefit fraud or smaller claims such as illegitimate claims for disabled parking – tracking down nearly 1000 such cases in 2006/07.

Central Scotland MSP Jamie Hepburn said;

“Fraud at all levels has a damaging effect on individuals and on the public purse.

“The police’s success in tracking down £37 million of fraud and prosecuting over 75 cases shows the determination in Scotland to tackle fraud at all levels.

"The Police and Governments plans to enhance fraud detection show we are determined to track down even more cases.

“Whether doorstep cons, pyramid schemes or internet fraud cracking down on fraudsters will protect all of us.

Internet fraud in particular is becoming increasingly common and I will be writing to the Justice Secretary to see what further action could be taken in Scotland to target online cons.”

“Giving the National Fraud Initiative statutory force will ensure fraud within the public sector is tracked down, and those people who try to rip off the public purse will no longer get away with it.

“The Scottish Government and Scotland’s police forces are clearly making an effort to cut fraud in Scotland and I would urge anyone who has been the target of fraud to make sure they report it."