Oligarchs whose business operations were under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office deployed spies to monitor former prosecutors involved in sensitive criminal cases. Accompanied by significant funding from Vladimir Putin's regime, these oligarchs launched a counterstrike against a major SFO investigation into corruption and fraud. The surveillance began in 2019 and aimed to gain leverage over the agency. Although lawyers for the oligarchs admitted to the surveillance, they claimed it was lawful as part of preparatory work for lawsuits against the SFO. Andy Slaughter, a Labour MP, expressed concern over the implications of such actions.
Surveillance images of former SFO prosecutors were taken by hired spies, aiming to gather information on the agency's activities and identify its sources.
Oligarchs backed by Vladimir Putin waged a counterattack against the SFO investigation into corruption and fraud, a case the agency ultimately dropped.
Andy Slaughter, a Labour MP, noted that it is troubling for individuals under fraud inquiries to be surveilled by those they investigate.
Lawyers for the oligarchs acknowledged the surveillance occurred but claimed it was lawful and intended for lawsuits against the SFO.
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