HMRC's annual report shows that its conviction rate in criminal cases arising from fraud and economic crime investigations fell to 87% in 2025-26, the lowest level since 2018-19.

Based on HMRC data and historical freedom of information (FOI) figures compiled by law firm Fieldfisher, this is the lowest conviction rate recorded in seven years.

In its 2025-26 annual report, HMRC said it secured 260 convictions, with an ‘87% success rate in court’.

Historical FOI figures show HMRC last recorded a lower conviction rate in 2018-19, when it stood at 86.5%.