Ex-Human Rights Lawyer Philip Shiner Pleads Guilty to Fraud
Philip Shiner, 67, former human rights solicitor, has admitted guilt to three counts of fraud at Southwark Crown Court. Shiner’s scandal stems from his controversial legal claims against British soldiers accused of mistreating Iraqi detainees after the 2003 Iraq war.
Illegal Tricks to Secure £3 Million Legal Aid
Shiner led Public Interest Lawyers and aggressively pursued claims against the British military. In 2007, he applied for up to £200,000 of Legal Aid to back cases including that of Khuder Al-Sweady. Over time, Shiner pocketed around £3 million from this contract.
The Al-Sweady inquiry, sparked by these charges, ended up costing taxpayers a whopping £24 million.
Uncovered: Cold-Calling Clients & Secret Referral Fees
- Shiner failed to disclose that agents, acting with his knowledge, cold-called potential clients in Iraq.
- He secretly paid referral fees—strictly forbidden under Legal Aid guidelines.
- A key witness statement supporting his claim was obtained through these illicit methods.
These sneaky tactics helped Shiner land a lucrative legal aid contract to pursue judicial reviews.
National Crime Agency Labels Shiner’s Actions ‘Dishonest’
Andy Kelly, head of the NCA’s International Corruption Unit, said: “This conviction is a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex domestic and international investigation. Shiner’s actions resulted in untold pressure and anxiety on members of the British Armed Forces, pursuing legal challenges funded through dishonest actions.”
Philip Shiner is due for sentencing on December 2. The fallout from this case continues to rock the legal world and raise questions about oversight on legal aid funded war claims.
