Mark Townsley

Detective Sergeant of the Economic Crime Unit, Thames Valley Police

 

 

Mark Townsley is a Detective Sergeant of the Economic Crime Unit within Thames Valley Police, leading a team of detectives to investigate money laundering, complex fraud, bribery and corruption. He has responsibility for identifying and reviewing Suspicious Activity Reports(SARs) and managing the SAR data access across the organisation.

 

Mark has 14 years of policing and investigation experience covering cases such as murder, kidnap, rape, armed robbery and all financial crime.

 

He has a commendation for investigation, a CIPFA certificate in Anti-Bribery and Corruption and an ICA Diploma in International Anti-Money Laundering.

 

Some examples of the cases held within the Economic Crime Unit are organised gangs that target vulnerable adults, employee fraud, money laundering through money service businesses, investment scams, advance fee scams, electoral fraud, public sector corruption and bribery of local companies.

 

Mark has viewed numerous SARs across all areas of the regulated sector and uses SAR data to progress criminal investigations and protect the public. He provides training and awareness to police officers to utilise SAR data effectively for all policing purposes.

 

Mark has identified anti-money laundering failings by reporting and working alongside the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Gambling Commission to enforce regulation.

 

He advises specialist departments with money laundering investigations to tackle organised crime. He is a key player in Operation Stronghold – a Thames Valley Police initiative working in partnership with agencies to prevent and disrupt organised crime groups. Stronghold contributes to the Governments Serious and Organised Crime Strategy with the four pillars of pursue, protect, prevent and pursue.

 

Mark would like to build relationships within the financial industry to help tackle and combat serious and organised crime.