Alleged energy efficiency fraud

Three companies have been named by the Serious Fraud Office over alleged fraud linked to a government-backed energy efficiency programme.

The investigation centres on claims that JJ Crump, Warmfront Team Ltd and South Coast Insulation Services submitted applications for retrofit measures where “little or no work was undertaken”.

As part of the inquiry into the alleged “sophisticated conspiracy” to defraud energy suppliers of at least £44m in public funds, four individuals have been arrested.

In late 2025, the Public Accounts Committee called for a formal investigation into the ECO4 scheme and the parallel Great British Insulation Scheme after a report identified a failure rate of 98% in external wall insulation installations.

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