Executive Summary

The National Crime Agency (NCA), once branded the UK’s FBI for its similar national-level law enforcement role, is currently facing significant obstacles that raise questions about its ability to carry out its mandate. Most notably, recent reporting by a UK anti-corruption group suggests the agency is “on its knees.” The agency’s capacity to protect UK citizens from the dangers of serious and organised crime has come under scrutiny due to ongoing problems with funding and recruitment, as well as a rise in cybercrime and the worsening migrant crisis in the English Channel. As these persistent issues continue to undermine its effectiveness, the NCA should ideally reform and invest to ensure it can fulfil its crucial role in safeguarding the UK.