Graeme Biggar appointed interim director general at National Crime Agency

The move follows Dame Lynne’s recent announcement of her retirement and will provide stability and continuity while work is underway to select a substantive successor through a competitive recruitment process.

Priti Patel said: “The National Crime Agency has a pivotal role to play in protecting the public from organised crime and national security threats. It works collaboratively with partners in law enforcement, the UK’s intelligence community and across Government. It’s essential that the NCA has continued strong and experienced leadership while work is underway to select a substantive successor to Lynne. I’m confident Graeme has the qualities and experience needed to provide the right stability and leadership.”

Commenting on his appointment, Graeme Biggar stated: “I’m honoured and humbled to be asked to lead the National Crime Agency for this period. I look forward to working with our dedicated officers and, indeed, all of our partners in delivering our vital mission of protecting the public and leading the UK’s fight against serious and organised crime.”

National Economic Crime Centre

Graeme Biggar has served as the director general of the National Economic Crime Centre, itself a multi-agency centre established to deliver a step change in the response to tackling economic crime, since March 2019.

Prior to joining the National Crime Agency, Biggar was the Home Office’s director of national security, providing leadership on the Pursue element of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy and hostile state activity.

Before his role at the Home Office, Biggar worked for the Ministry of Defence in a series of positions including Chief of Staff to the Defence Secretary from 2013 until 2016.

The process of selecting a substantive director general for the National Crime Agency will be set out by the Home Office in due course.