British FBI 'to get right to see bank records'

Britain's new FBI-style agency will get the power to seize secret client details from lawyers, bankers and accountants, it is reported today.

Professionals normally bound by secrecy rules will be told they must answer investigators' questions. Failure to do so could lead to fines and jail.

The new Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) will target white-collar workers with links to gangsters, who use their skills to launder and hide criminal profits.

But the planned powers have angered civil liberties groups and professional bodies, already concerned after Tony Blair suggested defendants in organised crime cases could face a lower burden of proof if they are brought to trial.

Shami Chakrabarti, director of Liberty, said: "My heart sinks. It is always, 'Talk tough, legislate first and think later.'"

The new powers are part of a package of measures being considered for inclusion in a White Paper due to be published next month.

The Government is also looking into the use of plea bargaining, and new rules on the use of informants within criminal organisations.