Investigation services

Tender description

The MHRA has its own Enforcement Group. It is 1 of only 2 European medicines regulatory authority (and 1 of very few worldwide) to have its own designated enforcement team which includes a distinct Operations Unit responsible for criminal investigations, an Intelligence Unit and Covert Source Management Unit. There is a statutory requirement to enforce medicines legislation and the MHRA's Enforcement Group is tasked to carry out criminal investigations into suspected illegal activity involving medicines and devices. Investigation officers in the group draw on powers of entry, inspection and seizure conferred by the legislation to conduct their investigations and prosecutions are brought through the criminal courts. Our enforcement powers have been strengthened by inclusion in an Order to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA). RIPA allows us to use directed surveillance, conduct test purchases and deploy undercover officers and informants. As the Enforcement Group conducts directed surveillance under RIPA, we are looking to create a preferred supplier list of suitable companies that meet the essential criteria to conduct mobile surveillance in support of operational activity throughout the UK. It is important to note that this exercise is not a single supplier contract and will be looking for contractors throughout the UK.