Society opens "reporting concerns" line for whistleblowers

Individuals with concerns that members of the legal community are involved with financial improprieties or money laundering, can now anonymously report their concerns to the Law Society of Scotland.

The confidential "reporting concerns" line and online form, which have gone live today, have been set up by the Society as part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the services provided by legal firms are not misused for illegitimate purposes.

New guidance on the Society's website explains its approach to receiving intelligence from the public, solicitors and others working in the legal sector. Concerns relating to financial impropriety, money laundering, or any other types of inappropriate actions which put the public at risk can all be reported.

The Society "strongly encourages" responsible and lawful reports of information about serious concerns and risks at the earliest possible stage, commenting: "Your prompt report could be vital in protecting consumers, other members of the public, and the wider profession from reckless or dishonest behaviour."

Craig Cathcart, convener of the Society’s Regulatory Committee said: "As the anti-money laundering supervisor for Scottish solicitors, the Law Society is committed to raising awareness of the prevalence of money laundering and the numerous ways in which it can be carried out.

"It is important that the public and the professionals are provided with the information, support and processes to protect the public and prevent the Scottish legal system being used to launder the proceeds of crime.

"Both the Society and my Regulatory Committee strongly encourage responsible and lawful reporting of information about serious concerns and serious risks at the earliest possible stage. A prompt report could be vital in protecting members of the public from reckless or dishonest behaviour."

The reporting concerns line is 0330 094 7935; the online form and guidance can be accessed here.