Graeme Biggar

Graeme Biggar

Graeme Biggar is the current Director General of the National Crime Agency (NCA), a role he officially took on in August 2022 after serving in an interim capacity following the departure of Dame Lynne Owens. Biggar’s career prior to leading the NCA is distinguished by his extensive work in national security and law enforcement. He previously served as the head of the National Economic Crime Centre (NECC), an entity within the NCA focused on tackling economic crimes such as fraud, money laundering, and financial misconduct.

Before joining the NCA, Graeme Biggar held several important roles in the UK government, including Director of National Security at the Home Office, where he oversaw efforts related to counterterrorism and serious organised crime. He also worked in the Ministry of Defence, where he played a key role in defense and security matters, as well as holding senior positions in the Cabinet Office.

With a strong academic background in economics, Biggar’s leadership at the NCA has focused on modernizing the agency’s approach to tackling organized crime, cybercrime, and other national security threats. His efforts to address issues like human trafficking, drug trafficking, and economic crime reflect his deep commitment to protecting the UK’s national interests. Under his leadership, the NCA has continued to collaborate closely with international and domestic law enforcement agencies to combat serious crime.

The National Crime Agency (NCA)

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is a UK law enforcement agency that was established in October 2013. It is tasked with tackling serious and organized crime across the United Kingdom, focusing on issues such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and large-scale fraud. The NCA operates with a strategic, intelligence-led approach, aiming to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.

The agency is often referred to as the UK’s equivalent of the FBI, though it functions differently from traditional policing agencies. The NCA works closely with local police forces, international partners, and other agencies to address cross-border and complex criminal activities. Its role involves not only direct operational responses but also coordination and support for other law enforcement bodies in their fight against serious crime.

Headquartered in London, the NCA has regional and national units that specialize in different types of criminal activities. The agency’s powers include the ability to investigate crimes, make arrests, and seize assets. Its operations are guided by a strategic framework that prioritizes threats based on their severity and impact, with the goal of making the UK a safer place by targeting the most dangerous and sophisticated criminal enterprises.