Four suspects identified in Post Office Horizon probe, police say

Police have singled out four individuals in connection with their inquiry, into legal actions related to the Post Office Horizon controversy.

The Metropolitan Police mentioned that as the inquiry into one of the significant miscarriages of justice, in UK history advances additional potential suspects will be uncovered.

Between the years 1999 and 2015 over 900 subpostmasters faced action due to errors in the Horizon accounting software, which falsely indicated discrepancies, in their account balances.

Despite the governments announcement that individuals with overturned convictions are entitled to receive £600k, in compensation payments. many individuals are still waiting to be compensated.

The Metropolitan Police stated that the investigating team met with the campaigner and former subpostmaster Sir Alan Bates on Sunday to give him an update, on the investigation.

The investigators have mentioned that they are currently examining accusations of fraudulence false statements and obstructin the process in connection, to inquiries and legal actions conducted by the Post Office.

Two individuals were questioned as part of the inquiry. No arrests have been made since the investigation commenced in January 2020.

The police mentioned in a statement that they met with Sir Alan Bates and several subpostmasters to discuss the investigation progress and future actions on Sunday 17 November in response, to an invitation they received.

"Our team of investigators from police departments, in the UK is now assembled and we will share more information soon."

"The team is getting ready to reach out to subpostmasters who have been impacted soon."

The announcement mentioned that while four suspects have been officially identified far at this point in time. This figure could increase as the investigation moves forward.

The announcement from the Met coincided with Post Office minister Gareth Thomas facing questions from MPs, about the costs incurred by both the organization and the government in compensating victims of the scandal.

Former minister in charge of affairs Kevin Hollinrake expressed regret during the Horizon IT investigation, for enabling the previous government to engage legal representation when addressing compensation issues.

When asked whether he shared Mr. Hollinrakes view that it would be worrying if the Government enlisted lawyers for support Mr. Thomas expressed to the Business and Trade Committee that he felt uneasy, about the idea of the Government "arming up" with lawyers.

When questioned about whether he thought the previous administration had a legal team in place he replied with caution; "I prefer not to delve into past circumstances. What I can affirm is our goal, for a compensation procedure that remains just and comprehensive in its outcomes."

Liam Byrne interrupted the committees proceedings with a statement, about the amount of £268 million spent by taxpayers on legal fees for this wrongful conviction.

Mr. Thomas responded by mentioning that they are working to expedite the compensation process. He also highlighted their worries about the expenses of assistance used by the Post Office and made it clear to them, about their concerns moving forward.

Mr. Byrne inquired if the Post Office is investing funds in legal services.

Mr Thomas mentioned that they have advised them to review their expenses and reconsider the tasks they assign to lawyers.

"We believe that some of the work done by lawyers could potentially be carried out in a cost effective manner."

The chairman of the committee remarked, "It seems like the answer is 'yes."

"Yes indeed it likely is affirmative " replied Mr Thomas to Mr Byrnes statement.