Is cooperation with the SFO really worthwhile?

Michael Roberts (+44 20 7296 5387, michael.roberts@hoganlovells.com) is a partner in the London office of law firm Hogan Lovells, specialising in fraud and white collar crime. Senior associates Maggie Christiansen (+44 20 7296 5359, maggie.christiansen@hoganlovells.com) and Alex Hohl (+44 20 7296 5957 alex.hohl@hoganlovells.com) also contributed to this article.

How much cooperation is enough to satisfy the Serious Fraud Office? And do the benefits of cooperation always outweigh the risks of a prosecution? Should you ever stand your ground and force the SFO to prove its case? Michael Roberts weighs the evidence provided by the UK’s Deferred Prosecution Agreements so far.