What with KPMG’s tax shelter problems in the US, relationships between accountants and the law have not been at their best on the other side of the Atlantic. After attending a briefing at New Scotland Yard, it would appear that a similar state of affairs exists in the UK.

Commander David Johnston, the head of the Met’s economic and specialist crime unit, confirmed as much when he suggested that accountants were tougher to deal with than terrorists.

‘The thing is, you can always negotiate with terrorists,’ the commander remarked. TS can only suggest that he get in touch with the good people at the SEC for a few pointers.