LONDON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Britain's Serious Fraud Office said on Thursday that Graham McNulty would take over in early April as interim director to lead the investigator and prosecutor. McNulty, a
Serious Fraud Office Names Graham McNulty Interim Director from April 6
SFO Leadership Transition and Context
LONDON, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Britain's Serious Fraud Office said on Thursday that Graham McNulty would take over in early April as interim director to lead the investigator and prosecutor.
Succession and Timing
McNulty, a former senior police officer who joined the SFO as chief operating officer in September 2024, will take over on April 6 from Nick Ephgrave, who is retiring after two-and-a-half years in the role.
McNulty’s Stated Priorities
"It is a tremendous privilege to lead the Serious Fraud Office," McNulty said, adding that he aimed to build on recent progress at the agency.
Technology and Case Management
McNulty has overseen the rollout of the SFO's first case management system and its adoption of new technologies, including further uses of artificial intelligence.
Policing Background and Expertise
Before joining the agency, he spent 31 years in policing, including senior roles tackling serious and organised crime, economic crime and major investigations.
Attorney General’s Office Response
The attorney general's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking further details about the interim appointment.
Ephgrave’s Tenure and Departure
Ephgrave, the first non-lawyer to run the SFO and a former senior police officer too, said in January he would retire at the end of March after 38 years in public service.
Disclosure Challenges and Criticism
When he took over at the SFO, it was facing criticism over abandoned prosecutions because of disclosure failures.
Faster Cases and Crypto Capability
He said the agency had made significant progress during his tenure, citing faster cases, improved disclosure using AI and the creation of a crypto-asset capability.
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti. Additional reporting by Kirstin Ridley. Editing by Jane Merriman)
