UK National Crime Agency losing 20% of cyber experts annually, report warns

The National Crime Agency (NCA), once regarded as the UK’s frontline defense against serious and organized crime, including cybercrime, is now in a state of crisis, according to a new report from Spotlight on Corruption, a British nonprofit organisation which focuses on financial corruption.

The report highlights a severe ‘brain drain’ within the agency, with a significant number of experienced personnel leaving, leading to a concerning loss of nearly 20% of its cyber expertise annually. This exodus is primarily blamed on a dysfunctional pay system, which has not only resulted in a high number of vacancies but has also driven up costs. To fill the gaps, the NCA has increasingly relied on temporary workers and consultants, who account for over 10% of the agency’s budget.

The report calls for urgent reform and increased investment in the NCA, warning that the agency’s ability to protect the UK from serious threats, including fraud, corruption, and organized crime, is at a tipping point. Without major changes to pay and working conditions, the agency’s effectiveness is at risk of further deterioration.

The report also contrasts the NCA with the FBI, noting that while the NCA is sometimes referred to as Britain’s equivalent, there are significant differences between the two agencies. The FBI is considered a desirable career path due to its competitive pay, benefits, and opportunities for professional development, resulting in a low staff turnover rate of just 1.7% in 2023. In comparison, British police officers would have to accept a pay cut to join the NCA, which lacks similar financial incentives.

It’s worth noting that the report doesn’t go into the details of the recent successful operations conducted with the participation of the NCA.