Virgin Media O2 urges police to prioritize fraud crackdown in November 2024

In the United Kingdom, a troubling statistic has emerged regarding fraud convictions, with Virgin Media O2 revealing that only an average of 84 convictions occur each year. This alarming rate has prompted the telecom giant to urge the Labour government to intensify efforts against scams, especially after the previous Conservative administration's strategies fell short of expectations. The calls for action have gained traction given the ongoing rise in fraudulent activities that affect numerous consumers across the nation. To bolster their case, Virgin Media O2's investigation unit, staffed by experienced former police officers, has submitted an impressive 34 police-compliant evidence packs over the last two years. This unit has developed these comprehensive packages in the belief that they present a strong chance of conviction. However, there has been significant disappointment as only two successful prosecutions have emerged from these submissions, highlighting a critical gap in the response to fraud within the police force. The investigations have involved elaborative efforts, including a notable case against a crime gang that targeted UK consumers, which took more than two years to compile sufficient evidence. The case linked hundreds of fraud instances, but the limited outcomes raise serious questions about law enforcement's commitment to addressing such crimes. In light of these findings, Virgin Media O2 is insisting on a policy shift that prioritizes fraud as a serious issue, urging the authorities to implement more effective strategies to combat this growing problem.