The UK now has its very own version of the FBI, set up to
fight high-tech crime, as well as drug tracking and other more
serious offences.
SOCA – the Serious Organised Crime Agency – will bring together
4,200 specialist agents from a range of crime bodies, including the
National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU).
Organised crime costs the UK around £20bn a year – more than £300
per person. Home Secretary Charles Clarke said Soca marks “a step
change in our efforts to stay ahead of the game in the fight
against serious organised crime.”
The bulk of its resources - around 40% - will go on drug
trafficking and 25% will go on organised immigration crime. Some
10% of resources will go on individual and private sector fraud,
including identity and e-commerce fraud.
The new agency will be chaired by former MI5 director general Sir
Stephen Lander.
