Partnership aims to boost tip-offs about banned directors still operating in the shadows
The Insolvency Service has partnered with Crimestoppers to increase the number of reports from the public about company directors illegally operating while disqualified or bankrupt.
Director disqualifications exist to protect the public, creditors and legitimate businesses from individuals who have proven themselves unfit to run companies.
Bans can last up to 15 years and are issued for a wide range of misconduct, from failing to pay tax and not keeping proper accounting records, to using company money for personal gain or allowing a business to keep trading when it cannot pay some or all of its debts.
Despite this, some banned directors continue to operate, and the Insolvency Service believes many cases go unreported.
The new partnership with Crimestoppers, which allows members of the public to pass on information 100% anonymously, is designed to change that.
Reporting concerns about disqualified directors helps the Insolvency Service use its full range of enforcement powers, including criminal prosecutions and confiscation of assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Dave Magrath, Director of Investigation and Enforcement Services at the Insolvency Service, said:
Kate Johnston, Director of Business Development at Crimestoppers, said:
What we want the public to look out for
We are asking anyone with information about the following to come forward:
To report concerns, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit their website. The charity guarantees complete anonymity. IP addresses are never traced, calls are never recorded, and there is no caller ID or 1471 facility.
The information below is of particular use when making a report:
Crimestoppers is an independent charity and its Contact Centre is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Further Information