By Dr Ismail Ufuk Misirlioglu and Professor Ismail Adelopo
On 10 September 2025, Dr Ismail Ufuk Misirlioglu (Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Finance, UWE Bristol) and Mrs Thakshila Kumarajeewa delivered a live webinar, disseminating the findings from research surveys on the role of forensic accounting in the UK’s law enforcement agencies. The event was attended by the members of law enforcement agencies across the UK. There were 180 attendees on the call representing 21 police forces and at least four Regional Organised Crime Units.
The event was collaboratively organised by the Governance and Accountability Research Group (GARG) and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SW ROCU).
The webinar was moderated by Professor Ismail Adelopo (Professor of Accounting and GARG Group Leader, UWE Bristol) who started with insightful opening remarks and actively engaged with the Q&A session. The event was concluded by Detective Inspector Andrew Kennard from the SW ROCU, who facilitated a successful webinar and run a dynamic Q&A session.
During the presentation, the presenters provided a comprehensive overview of the key findings highlighting the role of forensic accounting in the fight against financial crimes, the benefits and challenges of recruiting the forensic accountant, and the core characteristics, skills, and values required for the forensic accountant working in enforcement agencies.
The survey results have several potential implications for public policy makers. Detective Inspector Andrew Kennard, Regional Fraud Development Officer of the SW ROCU noted that “The presentation clearly demonstrated the necessity and benefit of forensic accounting in support of investigations, but also some of the challenges in accessing the services of forensic accountants. This should help to inform law enforcement policy makers in the future.”
A recording of the webinar will be made available to participants and other interested parties across the UK’s law enforcement agencies.