Clue Software, the Bristol firm working internationally to help detect and prevent corruption and other crimes, has appointed a world-renowned counter-fraud expert as its head of economic crime.
Laura Eshelby has joined the business after 10 years at the Cabinet Office, where she was the deputy director for practice, standards and capability at the Public Sector Fraud Authority. 
Launched more than eight years ago, the investigations software company has become a leading provider of software for investigations and intelligence management with a global customer base of more than 5,000 users.
In February it raised £4m in a round led by Frog Capital to maintain its strong growth.
It has also recently added major new clients, including a UK government regulator, one of the world’s top 10 retailers by revenue and a leading UK sports governing body.
Additionally, Clue has strengthened its presence in both the UK government sector and the US market, securing significant business with a ‘Big Four’ tech company.
As head of economic crime, Laura will expand the team’s portfolio across public and private sectors amidst a surge in fraud, which has doubled in the last year to £2.3bn.
Having played a key role in shaping the UK government’s fraud policies, she recognises the essential role systems like Clue play in combating fraud and economic crime.
With more than 23 years’ experience in counter fraud and economic crime in the UK and overseas, she previously led the design and implementation of the first Government Counter Fraud Profession for the Public Sector Fraud Authority, where she chaired the Cross Sector Advisory Group.
Laura said: “I’ve spent my entire career seeking to better understand fraud and corruption and root it out through investigation.
“Clue is an amazing opportunity to use my insight and continued passion to make cross-system change and reduce the harm caused by economic crime.
“The core Clue values and mission – with safeguarding and counter corruption at their heart – made this an ideal match for me.”
Clue CEO Clare Elford added: “The last four years have seen incredible growth here at Clue and we are delighted that Laura has joined us to continue to grow our community of investigation professionals across sectors worldwide and help instil best practices.
“She has a proven track record of building these capabilities and leveraging technology to modernise the investigative experience at both a public and private level and we look forward to her helping to grow our economic crime and insider threat business.”
