We asked HMRC about the risk of people under investigation leaving the country, given that some investigations take so long to complete. HMRC conceded that taking too long to complete its complex investigations could present a flight risk but said that its agreements with international partners would mean it could pursue anyone who tries to leave the UK.42 HMRC emphasised that it is important that the wealthy team takes on the big cases and should not be deterred from taking on the big cases because they may take longer to resolve.43