The 8th annual Tackling Economic Crime Awards (TECAs) took place last week, recognising the individuals, teams, and initiatives making a tangible impact in combating economic crime across the UK and internationally. Sponsored by altia, the awards highlighted innovation, leadership, and collaboration across public and private sectors.
This year’s event celebrated remarkable contributions from law enforcement, government bodies, and private sector organisations, shining a spotlight on the ingenuity and dedication required to address increasingly sophisticated economic crime threats.
2025 TECAs Winners
-
Outstanding Manager or Director – DCI Lee Townley, West Yorkshire Police
-
Outstanding Team – Operation DESTABILISE Case Team, National Crime Agency (NCA)
-
Outstanding Training Initiative – The CFCD Learning Academy, Department for Work and Pensions (Jane Ward & Julie Wiggins)
-
Outstanding New Product, Software or Technology – Clearspeed – Zurich Insurance
-
Outstanding Investigator – Mandy Flood, Vale of Glamorgan Council
-
Outstanding Partnership – Operation MACHINIZE (NECC, NPCC, HMRC, HOIE & Trading Standards)
-
Outstanding Public Sector/Law Enforcement Initiative – Operation CALLBACK, Metropolitan Police Service Emerging Threats Team
-
Outstanding Private/Third Sector Initiative – Project Trojan, Stop Scams UK
-
Outstanding Young Professional – Mollie Dale, Regional Economic Crime Unit, West Mercia Police
-
Outstanding Female Economic Crime Professional – Elizabeth Collery, Serious Fraud Office (UK)
-
Outstanding Individual Contribution to Tackling Economic Crime – Dave Campbell, HM Revenue & Customs
-
Outstanding Overseas Initiative – Malaysia’s National Fraud Portal – FNA
-
Lifetime Achievement – David Jagger
Spotlight: Outstanding New Product, Software or Technology
Among the standout winners was Clearspeed, recognised for its partnership with Zurich Insurance, taking home the Outstanding New Product, Software or Technology Award. The award was proudly sponsored by The Security Event (TSE) and International Security Expo, highlighting the increasing importance of technology in tackling economic crime.
Clearspeed’s voice-based analytics applies AI to detect risk in speech, providing early insights in claims and underwriting. In partnership with Zurich UK, the technology has delivered measurable results:
-
58 % of claims processed using Clearspeed were accelerated due to reduced risk.
-
Fraud referrals increased by around 20 %, highlighting improved detection of previously missed risk.
-
Early intervention led to a five-percentage-point increase in claim withdrawals, acting as a deterrent.
For integrators and security professionals, this award demonstrates the value of integrated technology solutions: advanced analytics must align with operational workflows to drive real-world impact in fraud detection and prevention.
Why TECAs Matter
Beyond celebrating achievements, the TECAs highlight trends, challenges, and advancements across the economic crime landscape. From cross-agency partnerships like Operation MACHINIZE, to international initiatives such as Malaysia’s National Fraud Portal, the awards show the global and collaborative nature of tackling economic crime.
With continued support from headline sponsor altia, trophy sponsor Asset Reality, and category sponsors including Counter Fraud Professional Awards Board, The Security Event, and International Security Expo, the TECAs remain a benchmark for excellence, innovation, and integrity in economic crime prevention.
Congratulations to all winners and finalists for their dedication, innovative approaches, and continued contribution to strengthening security and resilience worldwide.
.jpg)