Directors Face Prosecution for Unverified Identities at Companies House
Directors are being warned to verify their identities with Companies House or risk prosecution. This follows the Insolvency Service’s first convictions for these offenses.
Identity verification is a central part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which strengthened Companies House powers to improve the accuracy of the company register and tackle the misuse of UK companies for criminal purposes.
First Prosecutions for Identity Verification Offenses
Jill White and Marc Dillon, directors of White (Reading Properties) Limited, and Modinat Banjo, director of J Isogony Apparel Limited, were fined at City of London Magistrates’ Court on September 16.
White, 62, acted as a company director without verifying her identity, participating in board-level decision-making and signing company accounts. She only completed verification in September 2026, around nine months after the deadline.
Dillon, also 62, had verified his identity but was prosecuted for failing to prevent White from acting as an unverified director. As a director of White (Reading Properties) Limited, he had a legal responsibility to ensure the company did not allow an unverified individual to continue acting as a director.
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Legal Requirements and Consequences
Newly appointed directors have been required to verify their identity with Companies House before acting as a director from 18 November 2025. Existing directors have a 12-month transition period to verify when filing the company’s next confirmation statement.
Daniel Hart, Senior Criminal Lawyer at the Insolvency Service, emphasized that identity verification is a legal requirement, stating, These prosecutions demonstrate that directors have responsibilities not only for their own compliance but also for ensuring unverified individuals do not continue acting as directors.
Martin Swain, Director of Intelligence and Law Enforcement Engagement at Companies House, added, These first prosecutions mark an important milestone in strengthening the integrity of the UK’s company register.
Identity Verification Process and Penalties
Company directors who have not yet verified their identity should do so as soon as possible. Identity verification can be completed online through Companies House free of charge or via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
Fines and Costs for Non-Compliance
White was fined £166, ordered to pay costs of £85, and a victim surcharge of £66. Dillon was fined £307, with costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £123.
