National Economic Crime Centre

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Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs)

You should submit a SAR when you have knowledge, suspicion, or belief relating to money laundering (POCA 2002) and/or terrorist financing (TACT 2000). SARs are submitted to the UK Financial Intelligence Unit (UKFIU) within the National Crime Agency (NCA), via the SAR Portal.

Regulatory Requirements

Individuals and organisations in the regulated sector must submit a SAR, as soon as practicable. Failing to report, where a legal obligation exists may result in criminal liability and/or regulatory action. You should contact your regulator or trade body for advice on your reporting obligations.

Individuals or organisations outside the regulated sector may also be required to submit a SAR, if they know or suspect money laundering and/or terrorist financing.

SARs must contain sufficient information to meet UKFIU reporting requirements. For guidance on how to submit a SAR, please refer to the UKIU section of the NCA website.

Limitations of the SAR Regime

The SAR process is not a mechanism for reporting crime or for reporting predicate offences. Submitting a SAR does not remove the obligation to report crimes directly to the police or relevant authorities (e.g., HMRC, DWP).

Please note that SARs must not be used to report safeguarding concerns or situations involving an immediate risk to life or safety.

Do you have a suspicion of money laundering and/or terrorist financing?

If you are unsure whether to submit a SAR, you should refer to the UKFIU guidance to determine the appropriate reporting route via: https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/what-we-do/crime-threats/money-laundering-and-illicit-finance/suspicious-activity-reports . Alternatively please refer to the "What we do" pages. to check if you enquiry falls within the NCA’s other remits.