Shamed human rights lawyer faces jail for fraud

Phil Shiner, a former human rights lawyer, is facing imprisonment after admitting to three counts of fraud at Southwark Crown Court. Shiner, who previously received the title of “solicitor of the year” in 2007, fraudulently obtained £3m in taxpayer funds to support false claims against British soldiers regarding the torture and murder of Iraqi prisoners post-2003 invasion. The National Crime Agency (NCA) revealed that Shiner’s firm, Public Interest Lawyers, failed to disclose crucial information during legal aid applications, including paying referral fees and using cold-calling tactics to attract clients. Andy Kelly, head of the NCA’s international corruption unit, stated that Shiner’s actions caused “untold pressure and anxiety on members of the British armed forces.” Shiner is scheduled for sentencing on December 2.