Title: Reporting Suspected Fraud, Bribery or Corruption Related to the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

Public trust in government relies on robust channels for raising concerns about wrongdoing. If you suspect fraud, bribery or corruption connected with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), there are clear routes you can follow to report it safely and effectively. This guide sets out the main options and what to expect from the process.

Internal routes within DBT

– Use the department’s confidential whistleblowing channel: DBT provides an internal route designed to receive concerns about wrongdoing in a secure and confidential manner. You can raise concerns about fraud, bribery or corruption through this channel without fear of retaliation, subject to the organisation’s whistleblowing policies.

– Provide a clear, factual account: When you report, include what happened, when it occurred, who was involved (names or roles if known), where it took place, and how you became aware of the issue. Attach any documentary evidence or supporting material you have.

– Consider escalation within DBT if you believe the issue is not being addressed: Depending on your role (employee, contractor, supplier) you may be able to raise the matter with your line manager, the DBT anti-fraud or internal audit function, or the department’s Audit and Risk Committee. These routes are designed to ensure concerns are reviewed by appropriate, independent channels.

External routes for non-internal or unresolved matters

– National law enforcement and national regulators: If you believe the matter involves criminal activity or requires regulatory action, you can escalate to external bodies such as:
– Serious Fraud Office (SFO) for serious or complex fraud, bribery and corruption.
– National Crime Agency (NCA) for serious organised crime, including corruption and bribery that crosses sectors or jurisdictions.
– Action Fraud (the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime) for reporting suspected fraud to the police with a formal record.

– Government watchdogs and public sector auditing: For concerns about mismanagement of public funds or value for money within DBT or the wider public sector, you may consider reporting to:
– National Audit Office (NAO), which can review value for money in central government departments and public bodies.
– Other regulators or inspectorates as appropriate, depending on the nature of the matter (for example, tax-related concerns to HM Revenue & Customs or data protection concerns to the Information Commissioner’s Office, if relevant).

– Data protection and privacy considerations: If the issue involves handling of personal data in a way that breaches legal requirements, you may also report to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

– For members of the public or suppliers: If you are not an internal DBT employee and you suspect wrongdoing by DBT personnel, you can use the GOV.UK guidance to connect with the right external body (SFO, NCA, Action Fraud, NAO, etc.). In urgent cases or where there is immediate danger, contact the emergency services (999 in the UK).

What to include when you report

– A concise description of the suspected wrongdoing, including dates, locations, and the people involved (as far as you know).
– The impact or potential impact (financial, reputational, operational, or public harm).
– Any documentary evidence you hold (emails, invoices, contracts, logs, screenshots, etc.).
– How you became aware of the issue and whether you have already raised it through internal channels.
– Your preferred method of contact and any request for confidentiality or anonymity (subject to the policies of the reporting channel).

What to expect after you report

– Assessment and triage: The reporting body will assess the information to determine how to proceed and which route is most appropriate.
– Investigation and action: Depending on the route chosen, an internal investigation within DBT or an external investigation by a regulator or law enforcement may be initiated. You may be contacted for further information or clarification.
– Protection for reporters: In many whistleblowing scenarios, legal protections exist to shield you from retaliation. The exact protections depend on your status (employee, contractor, supplier) and the applicable legislation and policies in place. You should seek guidance from the reporting channel if you have concerns about protection and anonymity.
– Confidentiality: Reporting channels generally aim to protect your identity where possible, but some investigations require information to be disclosed to relevant authorities. You will be informed about confidentiality where feasible.

Useful resources and next steps

– Internal DBT whistleblowing policies and contacts (check the department’s website or intranet for the official channel and guidance).
– GOV.UK guidance on reporting fraud, corruption and bribery and the process for redress or escalation.
– External bodies:
– Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
– National Crime Agency (NCA)
– Action Fraud
– National Audit Office (NAO)
– HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for tax-related concerns
– Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for data protection issues
– If you’re unsure where to start, consider contacting Action Fraud for initial guidance on the most appropriate next steps.

Final thoughts

Reporting suspected fraud, bribery or corruption is a vital part of safeguarding public resources and maintaining trust in DBT and the wider government. Whether you report internally or externally, provide clear information and evidence, and use the channel most appropriate to the nature and severity of the concern. If you remain unsure about the right route, start with the department’s internal whistleblowing channel and seek guidance from the relevant external bodies as needed.

April 23, 2026 at 09:58AM
向商务与贸易部（DBT）举报欺诈行为
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/report-fraud-to-the-department-for-business-and-trade-dbt
与商务与贸易部（DBT）相关的涉嫌欺诈、行贿或腐败的举报途径。

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