How does the SFO select its cases?

The SFO is New Zealand’s lead agency for investigating and prosecuting serious or complex fraud, including bribery and corruption. We take on a limited number of new cases each year, focusing on those that are significant in scale or complexity and often of national importance.

Only a very small number of the reports made to us are matters we can investigate under our legislation. When deciding whether to take a case, we look at criteria including:

  • The scale of the fraud – the amount of money involved, the number of people affected, what the harm is, and whether the harm is widespread.
  • How complex it is – whether the case requires the use of our highly specialised financial crime investigators, including our forensic accountants or electronic forensics team.
  • Public interest – We are more likely to investigate cases that are about ensuring the wellbeing of New Zealand and New Zealanders as a community, now and in the future.
  • Evidence – To use our powers we need evidence that supports the allegations being made. To commence a prosecution we must meet the evidence test set out by the Solicitor General. You can read more about that here(external link).

You can read about our current Strategic Areas of Focus here, to help understand the types of matters the SFO may investigate.

You can read more about our legislation here.

Every report is assessed

Anyone can report suspected serious fraud or corruption to the SFO. Every report is assessed to decide whether it is suitable for further investigation by the SFO. We may pass your report to another government organisation in New Zealand or overseas, if the matters raised are more suited to them.

Are we the right agency to help you?

Many people contact us each year with allegations that are more appropriately dealt with by another Government agency. To help you reach the right agency, click here to be directed to our reporting tool.

Are you unhappy with the way the SFO has handled a report you made?

Please click here for information on how to make a complaint about the SFO.

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