Decision to prosecute

APPG report sets out strategy to combat APP fraud

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Fair Banking has published a cross-party report titled ‘No Half Measures – a Blueprint to Beat APP Fraud’ outlining a nine-point strategy to address the growing threat of authorised push payment (APP) fraud in the UK. The APPG suggests how the government could adopt a ‘whole-of-ecosystem’ approach in the forthcoming update to the UK’s Fraud Strategy. It also reviews the early impact of the Payment Systems Regulator’s (PSR) mandatory reimbursement requirement (MRR), describing it as a positive step, but warns that relying solely on reimbursement risks placing excessive burdens on certain parts of the financial ecosystem while failing to tackle the root causes of fraud. The APPG calls for broader action, including considering extending reimbursement requirements to crypto firms and introducing a tech levy on social media platforms.

NCA, OFSI and FCDO publishes Red Alert on Russian oil sanctions evasion network

The National Crime Agency (NCA), Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) and Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) have jointly published a Red Alert warning financial institutions about a sophisticated Russian oil sanctions evasion network. The alert details how the network operates through 'blue' companies interfacing with Western institutions and 'red' companies trading directly with Russian oil firms. It follows UK sanctions imposed on key network entities 2RIVERS DMCC and 2RIVERS PTE in December 2024, and NORD AXIS in May 2025. The alert provides red flag indicators to help identify potential sanctions breaches.

Defra announces tenfold increase in water company compensation payments

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced changes to the Guaranteed Service Standard (GSS) scheme, increasing water company compensation payments by up to tenfold. Customers will now automatically receive higher payments for issues such as persistent low water pressure and cancelled appointments. Under the updated GSS scheme, maximum compensation for sewer flooding will rise from £1,000 to £2,000, while households experiencing persistent low water pressure will be eligible for up to £250, up from £25. Defra is also collaborating with water companies to expand the list of compensable issues to include failures to conduct meter readings and installations. All payments will be automatically credited to customer accounts. These changes represent the first update to compensation rates in 25 years. Defra also confirmed that compensation for customers required to boil their water due to contamination is expected to be introduced later in 2025.

Health and safety prosecution round-up—2 July 2025

A round-up of the latest health and safety prosecutions, including a Suffolk meat producer fined after a worker lost part of his finger while using unsuitable equipment.