IDG68250 - Procedure for disclosing information to others (government): Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA)
The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) is an executive, Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by, but operationally dependant from, the Home Office. It is an intelligence-led agency with law enforcement powers and harm-reduction responsibilities. Harm in this context is that which is caused to people and communities by serious organised crime.
Organised crime covers a very wide range of activity and individuals involved in a number of crime sectors including:
- drug trafficking;
- organised immigration crime (including people trafficking);
- individual and private sector fraud;
- money laundering.
SOCA is also responsible for dealing with financial information concerning suspected proceeds of crime, in order to counter money laundering. It maintains the Suspicious Activity Reports regime, has civil recovery powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, and has a dedicated Financial Intelligence Unit.
Under provisions in the Serious Crime Act 2007, the functions of the Asset Recovery Agency were transferred to SOCA. These include the civil recovery powers provided by Part 6 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) which enable SOCA to undertake tax investigation functions (referred to as “Revenue” functions). Disclosures made by HMRC to SOCA for Revenue functions must only be made by HMRC’s Criminal Taxes Unit (for contact details see IDG90100).
Please be aware that there is detailed guidance on the correct procedure for making disclosures to SOCA, accessible from a hyperlink found at IDG90150. 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).
