SFO staff trial put on hold

A civil trial at the High Court involving two former senior employees of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) was yesterday put on hold for 24 hours, with the parties in discussion to reach a settlement. The case stems from a civil dispute launched by Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation in 2018 against the SFO, law firm Dechert, and former partner Neil Gerrard over alleged misconduct. The current trial sees John Gibson, a partner at law firm Cohen & Gresser, and Tony Puddicstill, a senior SFO investigator, defending claims of misfeasance in a public office, conspiracy and breach of confidence.