Corporate probes reach record level

A RECORD number of investigations into allegations of dodgy dealings by company directors was undertaken by the corporate enforcement watchdog last year.

The head of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) Paul Appleby revealed in his annual review that 820 cases of alleged breaches of the Companies Acts were reported last year — up 22% on 2007.

Investigations carried out by Mr Appleby’s office last year resulted in 32 criminal convictions against 13 individuals and businesses.