Publication of reviews by Brian Altman QC and Sir David Calvert-Smith

July 21, 2022 | Press Releases

Today, full versions of Brian Altman QC’s long-awaited review of the collapse of the R vs. Woods and Marshall Sir David Calvert-Smith’s trial and review of the SFO’s handling of the Unaoil inquiry, has been published.

Lisa Osofsky, director of the Serious Fraud Office, said: “Implementing the recommendations made by Brian Altman QC and Sir David Calvert-Smith is our top priority.

“The reviews are sobering read for anyone who believes in the mission and purpose of the SFO, but from the outset we wanted to establish what happened in these two cases and use the results to improve our performance.

“Today’s OFS is no longer the same organization that I inherited. While the expertise and determination of our dedicated staff remains unwavering, a new management team has prioritized investments in technology, introduced a rigorous case prioritization system and we have incorporated a change program to revise practices and working culture of the SFO.

“The SFO has a mission of crucial importance, to fight the most serious and complex financial crime, to ensure justice for the victims and to protect the UK economy from criminals who commit fraud, bribery and corruption. I am determined to ensure that these reviews help us move forward with clarity and confidence. »

You can read the Attorney General’s written ministerial statement here: LINK

You can read Sir David Calvert-Smith’s review here: LINK

You can read the government’s response to Sir David Calvert-Smith’s review here: LINK

You can read Brian Altman QC’s review, all relevant appendices and the SFO’s response to the review here: LINK

The names of junior officials have been removed from published journals in accordance with standard government practice. For the sake of transparency, these are the only redactions that have been made, as we have also agreed to a limited waiver of the privilege of the legal profession.