Figures issued by Data Specialists Datanomic have revealed that almost 4,000 financial criminals, terrorists and disqualified directors are running UK businesses.
Datanomic screened the Companies House register of 6.8 million companies, directors and secretaries against World-Check’s database of ‘high risk’ individuals and organisations.
The study found that exact matches were recorded for 1,504 disqualified directors, many of whom appear to be running their business from prison. A further 154 involved in financial crime, 13 either wanted for terrorism or involved in terrorist groups and 37 known drug traffickers.
Specific examples include an eastern European General who is facing war crime charges, registered as a director of an active UK business. Another individual who is wanted for terrorism and forgery is listed as a director of twelve companies.
David Leppan, chief executive of World Check was amazed at the results of the study, saying:
“The problem seems to lie in the fact that Companies House is not required in its remit to actively screen applicants, therefore leaving the door open for terrorists, money launderers, narcotics traffickers and many others to actively participate in the UK economy without any checks or balances,
These results serve as a grim reminder as to the dangers of complacency. It is clearly time for the UK government to broaden the qualifications for registering companies and directorships as a first defence against a range of criminal and terrorist activities.”
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