Aziz Rahman explains the challenges facing the SFO after its Unaoil disclosure failings
Disclosure failings by the Serious Fraud Office saw the bribery conviction of former Unaoil executive Ziad Akle quashed and the Attorney General launching a review of the agency.
Aziz Rahman told Law360 that the SFO now has a real challenge on its hands to show that it is fit for purpose.
He emphasised the importance of the SFO enhancing its disclosure processes in the future and making sure that there is no repeat of the failings that saw Mr Akle walk free. Aziz added that the SFO has to convince the government of the value of any steps it takes to improve the way it works.
According to him, the Attorney General will need to decide whether the SFO and its Director Lisa Osofsky need to be subject to closer scrutiny.
He explained that abolishing the SFO, forcing its director to resign or handing some of its work to other agencies are, at least in theory, other options.
Aziz's comments featured in Law360. (Subscription required)
