Authorities are looking into whether recognised human rights lawyer Mr Shiner knew of alleged bribes paid by his law firm Public Interest Lawyers (PIL) to Iraqis to lodge complaints. The bribes are said to have been claimed from taxpayer-funded legal aid masked as legitimate law firm expenses.
Mr Shiner founded Birmingham-based PIL in 1999 and owns all PIL equity. The firm has lodged nearly 200 compensation claims and more than 1,000 claims of alleged wrongdoing by British troops, including murder, some of which have proven to be false.
Mr Shiner’s troubles began in 2014 when the Al-Sweady inquiry, in which PIL represented claimants, found Iraqi witnesses falsified claims. After the publication of the Al-Sweady report, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) began an investigation into PIL’s conduct.
After an 18-month investigation, the SRA endorsed the investigation to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal (SDT), which can order solicitors be struck off the roll. The SRA also provided information to the Legal Aid Agency, which revoked PIL's access to taxpayer money after its own 18-month investigation. The agency had given PIL £3 million over the years to fund cases.
Legal Aid has also prepared a dossier on Mr Shiner for the National Crime Agency, which investigates serious and organised crime. The Telegraph quotes a source saying PIL's conduct ‘could be criminal.’
PIL has vowed to fight the allegations, which it maintains are groundless. It has not been proven that either the firm or Mr Shiner have committed crimes and authorities investigating the matter stress that the allegations are remain unverified.
Source: The Telegraph
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