FRAUD hit a 12-year high during 2007, with cases totalling more than £1bn heard by UK courts during the year, a new survey shows.

KPMG Forensic said the total figure for frauds of nearly £1.02bn was the highest since 1995 and the second highest since it began its barometer 20 years ago.

In the north west, fraud cases valued at a record £199.6m came to court in last 12 months

Richard Powell, head of KPMG forensic and fraud investigation in the north, said: "Levels of fraud continue to remain disturbingly high.

"Organised gangs have been more active than ever, with a proliferation in VAT frauds, ID thefts and other forms of white collar crime, to the tune of a huge £889m nationwide.

"Certainly, the sophistication of organised fraud in the north west is certainly extremely concerning."

The most serious cases of fraud saw six Manchester men jailed after an £85m carousel fraud involving mobile phones, and the Aleef Garages tax fraud, worth £5.3m.