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SFO Faces Pivotal Year as Several Major Trials Loom in 2026

6 January 2026

In a recent Law360 article, BCL partner Anoushka Warlow comments on the Serious Fraud Office as it heads into a critical year in 2026, with a wave of high-profile fraud and bribery trials set to reach court following a relatively quiet period for prosecutions. The cases, involving well-known companies, will put the SFO’s ability to investigate and bring cases to trial under close scrutiny.

Commenting on the forthcoming trial schedule, Anoushka Warlow, Partner at BCL, noted that the significance of these cases must be viewed against the backdrop of previous SFO prosecutions that collapsed due to disclosure failures. She said, "For an agency which has struggled to escape the long shadow cast by previous failed prosecutions, the 2026 trial schedule will be an important test"

Anoushka highlighted that successful outcomes could have far-reaching implications, demonstrating to corporates that serious wrongdoing can and will be identified and prosecuted.

To read the full article click here

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