David Lammy, the UK justice secretary and deputy prime minister, is set to announce a new anti-corruption strategy on Monday aimed at preventing the UK from being a haven for illicit finance and dictators' laundered assets. The plan includes extra funding for an elite anti-corruption police unit and measures to tackle bribery and misconduct across government and public services.
In a speech in London, Lammy will outline initiatives such as expanding the City of London police's domestic corruption unit with £15m in new funding, and taking more action against 'professional enablers' who help foreign autocrats hide illicit wealth. Former Labour MP Margaret Hodge will lead a review of stolen assets in the UK to identify vulnerabilities exploited by criminals.
Lammy will also pledge to improve transparency in political donations and council contracts. He is expected to say that over £100bn could be laundered through or within the UK annually, aided by a network of enablers. The strategy includes plans to scrap jury trials in complex fraud cases, arguing that specialist judges are better suited to handle such evidence.
Lammy will highlight the role of dirty money in fuelling conflicts, including Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, and vow that London will no longer be a haven for Kremlin-linked elites. The crackdown will also target corruption in public services, such as police and prison officers who accept bribes.
