The Metropolitan Police have identified four suspects in their investigation into potential criminal charges related to the Post Office Horizon scandal, one of the UK's most widespread miscarriages of justice. More than 900 subpostmasters were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 due to faulty Horizon accounting software that falsely indicated missing funds.
Detectives are examining allegations of fraud, perjury, and perverting the course of justice concerning Post Office investigations and prosecutions. Two individuals have been interviewed under caution, but no arrests have been made since the inquiry began in January 2020.
On Sunday, the Met met with lead campaigner Sir Alan Bates and other affected subpostmasters to provide an update. The investigation team, comprising officers from across the UK, is preparing to contact more subpostmasters soon. The police stated that while four suspects have been formally identified, this number is expected to grow.
Meanwhile, Post Office minister Gareth Thomas faced questions from MPs about legal costs for redress. Former minister Kevin Hollinrake had apologised for the previous government's use of lawyers. Thomas expressed discomfort with the phrase 'arming up' and emphasised the need for faster compensation, while noting concerns over the Post Office's legal fees, which have totalled around £268 million.
