The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has searched six sites and launched a fraud investigation into three companies that delivered contracts under the government’s Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4) scheme.
The SFO is looking into allegations that Warmfront Team Ltd, JJ Crump and South Coast Insulation Services were involved in a “sophisticated conspiracy” to undermine the scheme, which is designed to tackle fuel poverty and help reduce carbon emissions across more than 300,000 homes, by submitting claims where little or no work was undertaken.
The SFO said the conspiracy is suspected to have defrauded energy companies of at least £44m.
The SFO are now appealing for any information on the companies in connection with ECO4 projects carried out between 2022 and 2024.
Graham McNulty, director of the SFO, said: “We are particularly keen to hear from installers and assessors who worked on these contracts and know what really happened. Our door is open, and coming forward is the right thing to do.”
MP and solicitor general Ellie Reeves added: “This scheme was meant to tackle fuel poverty and improve people’s homes. Instead, the Serious Fraud Office is investigating claims £44m in public money was paid to companies that allegedly did little more than submit false invoices for work they failed to carry out.
“I am sickened by those who want to profit off the back of a scheme designed to help vulnerable people, and I’m confident the SFO’s investigation into allegations of substantial fraud will deliver the answers victims and the public deserve.”
In January, the SFO arrested six people and searched seven sites as the crime agency launched a fraud and bribery probe over the “past management” of social housing investor Home REIT.
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