(1)A disclosure which satisfies the following three conditions is not to be taken to breach any restriction on the disclosure of information (however imposed).
(2)The first condition is that the information or other matter disclosed came to the person making the disclosure (the discloser) in the course of a business in the regulated sector.
(3)The second condition is that the information or other matter—
(a)causes the discloser to know or suspect, or
(b)gives him reasonable grounds for knowing or suspecting,
that another person has committed [F2or attempted to commit] an offence under any of sections 15 to 18.
(4)The third condition is that the disclosure is made to a constable or a nominated officer as soon as is practicable after the information or other matter comes to the discloser.
(5)A disclosure to a nominated officer is a disclosure which—
(a)is made to a person nominated by the discloser’s employer to receive disclosures under this section, and
(b)is made in the course of the discloser’s employment and in accordance with the procedure established by the employer for the purpose.
(6)The reference to a business in the regulated sector must be construed in accordance with Schedule 3A.
(7)The reference to a constable includes a reference to a [F3National Crime Agency officer] authorised for the purposes of this section by the Director General of [F4that Agency].]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 21B inserted (20.12.2001) by 2001 c. 24, s. 3, Sch. 2 Pt. 3 para. 5(2); S.I. 2001/4019, art. 2(1)(c)
F2Words in s. 21B(3) inserted (26.12.2007) by The Terrorism Act 2000 and Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Amendment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/3398), reg. 2, Sch. 1 para. 4
F3Words in s. 21B(7) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 73; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)
F4Words in s. 21B(7) substituted (1.4.2006 subject to art. 4(2)-(7) of the commencing S.I.) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), s. 59, Sch. 4 para. 129(b); S.I. 2006/378, art. 4(1), Sch.