Companies House collects just £1,250 in fines in corruption crackdown

Just 2% of total penalties paid, raising concerns about agency given new powers to fight economic crime

The UK government agency responsible for overseeing a national register of companies has collected just 1,250 in fines after being given new powers to crack down on corruption, it has emerged.

Companies House is implementing a series of reforms, amid embarrassing revelations about fraudsters and jokers signing up to the corporate register with names such as Darth Vader" and Santa Claus".