Metropolitan Police detectives are currently conducting an investigation into the Post Office over potential fraud offences related to the Horizon scandal. As part of this scandal, over 700 Post Office branch managers were wrongfully convicted due to faulty accounting software provided by Fujitsu, which erroneously indicated financial discrepancies. The Metropolitan Police stated that the potential fraud offences being investigated involve the recovery of funds from sub-postmasters through prosecutions or civil actions.
The Metropolitan Police also confirmed that they have been examining possible offences of perjury and perverting the course of justice. These investigations stem from the actions taken by the Post Office in relation to the Horizon scandal. While two individuals have been interviewed under caution, no arrests have been made since the investigation commenced in January 2020.
The Horizon scandal has once again garnered attention after the airing of the ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office. This drama sheds light on the events surrounding the scandal, which many believe to be the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history. Following the broadcast of the drama, approximately 50 new potential victims have reportedly reached out to lawyers, including five individuals seeking to appeal their convictions.
Neil Hudgell, a lawyer representing claimants, revealed that the new enquiries include former sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted. Hudgell highlighted the devastating impact the Post Office’s actions had on these individuals, resulting in the loss of their livelihoods and homes. He further mentioned that a small number of those coming forward were convicted sub-postmasters, but their hesitation to come forward sooner stemmed from the profound psychological damage caused by the Post Office.
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) has labeled the Horizon scandal as the most extensive miscarriage of justice they have ever encountered. The Post Office implemented the Horizon IT system in 1999 to modernize their payment records. However, the system was plagued with glitches, incorrectly implicating subpostmasters for cash shortfalls. Consequently, this led to two decades of legal battles, hundreds of wrongful convictions, and immeasurable destruction in the lives of those affected.
The CCRC is urging additional potential victims to come forward, assuring them that they could potentially offer assistance even if earlier appeals were unsuccessful, guilty pleas were made in magistrates’ courts, or if they are close relatives of deceased former sub-postmasters.
In conclusion, the Metropolitan Police’s investigation into the Post Office regarding potential fraud offences stemming from the Horizon scandal is ongoing. The scandal’s exposure in the recent TV drama has prompted numerous fresh inquiries from potential victims seeking justice. The CCRC continues to encourage those affected to come forward, offering potential support in their fight for justice.
