IDG68250 - Procedure for disclosing information to others (government): Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA)

In February 2004, the Home Secretary announced the formation of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) in April 2006. SOCA is a single body which brings together the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS), the National Crime Squad (NCS), the investigative and intelligence work of HMRC on serious drug trafficking and the recovery of related criminal assets, and the Home Office's responsibilities for organised immigration crime. HMRC possesses information which can help SOCA in all of these functions.

SOCA went live on the 1st April 2006.

Please be aware that there is detailed guidance on the correct procedure for making disclosures to SOCA, accessible from a hyperlink found atIDG90150. You must not make any disclosures of information without first referring to this guidance.

Legislation which allows disclosure

Section 34 Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.

Devolved assemblies

SOCA works across the whole United Kingdom and this guidance applies equally across the United Kingdom.

Further guidance

For further guidance and assistance generally on confidentiality, contact Information Strategy (see IDG90100).