Why can’t the Bank tell John about the SAR? The answer can be found at section 333 of POCA. It is a criminal offence to tip someone off about a SAR; that is to notify them that they know or believe that a SAR has been made when to do so is likely to prejudice any investigation. In John’s case, if John was involved in an international fraud, knowing that a SAR had been made could prompt him to notify co-conspirators and/or flee from the jurisdiction. This is unfortunate because if the money was legitimate (e.g. a bona fide inheritance from his late grandmother) he could explain this and seek to assuage any suspicion.
6 Likes