The criminal trials stemming from the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in UK history, may not start until 2028, according to Metropolitan Police Commander Stephen Clayman. The investigation, known as Operation Olympos, has identified seven main suspects and is scrutinizing 45 to 50 others. This extensive inquiry, which began in 2020, is examining potential offences of perjury and perverting the course of justice by those involved in prosecuting sub-postmasters.

Scope of the Investigation

The Horizon IT system, implemented in 1999, erroneously indicated financial shortfalls in Post Office branches, leading to the prosecution of over 900 sub-postmasters. Many were wrongfully convicted, with some even serving prison sentences. The investigation, described as unprecedented in size, is now focusing on those who made critical decisions in the prosecutions and the broader management, including Fujitsu, the software developer.

Progress and Challenges

Since the public inquiry's conclusion in December, the number of documents under review has surged from 1.5 million to 6 million. Despite the complexity, Commander Clayman remains confident that criminal trials will occur, though not before the public inquiry's final report is published later this year. "This isn't uncommon," Clayman noted, emphasizing the need for meticulous examination of the inquiry's findings before proceeding with prosecutions.

Victims' Frustration and Compensation

Former sub-postmaster Tim Brentnall, whose conviction was overturned in 2021, expressed the victims' desperation for accountability but acknowledged the necessity for thorough police work. Meanwhile, over £1 billion has been distributed in compensation to more than 7,300 claimants, though many victims feel the process is too slow. The government has enacted legislation to exonerate those wrongfully prosecuted, further highlighting the scandal's gravity.