Criminal Investigator Officer

HMRC Fraud Investigation Service (FIS)

Make a real difference in a role that protects the UK’s tax system. If you are looking for a career where your work has purpose, challenge and impact, this could be your next move. Join HMRC and help build a stronger, fairer future through high-profile and meaningful compliance work.

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About the Fraud Investigation Service

The Fraud Investigation Service (FIS) is HMRC’s specialist investigation function, responsible for enforcing compliance policies across the full range of taxes and duties administered by the Department.

Its work is wide-ranging, complex and essential. Investigations may involve:

• Offshore tax evasion

• International smuggling of illicit excise goods

• Illegal exports of controlled weapons and technology

• Labour market exploitation and abuse

• VAT fraud

• Self-Assessment repayment fraud

• Other organised and targeted attacks on the tax system

FIS brings together talented professionals from many different disciplines, creating a highly skilled and collaborative environment. Teams include:

• Accountants

• Cybercrime specialists

• Criminal justice professionals

• Tax professionals

• Operational delivery support teams

• And many other specialist roles

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The Opportunity

As a Criminal Investigator Officer, you will play a key role in investigating criminal and financial attacks against HMRC’s tax systems. Working within established legislation, procedures and professional standards, you will be trusted to make sound decisions and take responsibility for your work.

You will manage your own caseload, using your investigative skills to gather, assess and develop evidence. Your work will support the progression of criminal and financial investigations involving:

• Individuals

• Corporate entities

• Organised crime groups

This is a role that combines analytical thinking, professional judgement and operational activity, offering variety and challenge at every stage.

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What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you will contribute to investigations from initial development through to prosecution or other outcomes. Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting criminal investigations using relevant powers and legislation

• Gathering, reviewing and developing evidence

• Preparing case files and written materials to support prosecutions or alternative outcomes

• Interviewing suspects and witnesses, including interviews under caution

• Taking witness statements

• Using IT systems and case management tools effectively and accurately

• Maintaining confidentiality, professionalism and evidential integrity

• Working closely with colleagues and operational partners to deliver successful outcomes

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A Role with Variety

This is far from a desk-only position. The role offers a mix of office-based analysis and frontline operational work, making it both dynamic and rewarding.

You may find yourself:

• Analysing intelligence and case material in the office

• Undertaking arrests

• Searching premises

• Interviewing individuals under caution

• Presenting evidence in court

No two investigations are the same, and the work you do will have a direct impact on protecting public finances and upholding the law.

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Working With Others

Success in this role depends on strong collaboration. You will build effective relationships with both internal colleagues and external partners, contributing positively to team performance and wider operational objectives.

You will work with a broad network of stakeholders, including:

• Other HMRC teams

• Police forces

• Border Force

• National Crime Agency

• Solicitors

• Crown Prosecutors

• Colleagues across government departments

Your ability to communicate clearly, work professionally and build trust will be central to achieving successful outcomes.

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What We’re Looking For

We are seeking individuals who can work independently while following established rules, guidance and legal frameworks. You should be comfortable taking ownership of your workload and making informed, accountable decisions.

This role will suit someone who is:

• Organised and self-managing

• Detail-focused and evidence-driven

• Professional and discreet

• Confident in dealing with complex situations

• Collaborative and relationship-focused

• Adaptable and ready to work in a fast-changing environment

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Working Style

This role requires an agile approach to working. You will be expected to attend your designated office regularly and travel to operational locations as needed.

Flexibility is important, as the role involves balancing office-based casework with investigative activity in the field.

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Training and Development

To succeed in this position, you will be required to complete the relevant HMRC training programme.

Where applicable, you will also need to successfully complete the Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship.

This training will equip you with the knowledge, skills and professional standards needed to perform effectively as a Criminal Investigator Officer.

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Why Join HMRC?

This is an opportunity to be part of a professional, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of HMRC’s Fraud Investigation Service, you will help protect the integrity of the tax system, tackle serious fraud and contribute to a fairer society.

If you are ready for a challenging and meaningful career in investigation, HMRC is ready for you.