The SFO is investigating allegations of fraud by three UK
companies in relation to Energy Company Obligation 4 (ECO4), a UK
government energy efficiency scheme designed to tackle fuel
poverty and help reduce carbon emissions.
At the heart of the investigation are allegations that Warmfront,
JJ Crump and South Coast Installation Services were involved in a
sophisticated conspiracy across the country to undermine a
government scheme by submitting claims where little or no work
was undertaken. It is suspected that energy companies were
defrauded of at least £44 million in this way.
Working with the National Crime Agency, the SFO conducted a major
operation across the UK with investigators arresting four
people on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, searching four
homes in Cannock, Wolverhampton, Chilworth, and Southwell.
Two commercial sites were also searched at Cannock and
Killamarsh.
Public Appeal
We are appealing for information on Cannock-based Warmfront,
Sheffield-based JJ Crump, and Fareham-based South Coast
Installation Services in connection with ECO4 projects between
2022 and 2024.
If you have any information or witnessed anything
concerning, please get in touch. All information will
be treated in confidence. Contact the
SFO via email at:confidential@sfo.gov.uk.
Graham McNulty QPM, Director of the Serious Fraud Office,
said:
This scheme was designed to reduce carbon
emissions, help households cut costs and stay
warm – instead in many cases we
suspect little or no work was done. 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.
Solicitor General KC MP said:
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.
This operation is part of Operation Henhouse, a UK-wide
campaign tackling fraud.
The SFO understands that Warmfront was sold in 2024 and now
trades under new management not connected to this
investigation.
