Media asks for Aziz Rahman’s thoughts on SFO Director’s departure

A number of media outlets sought Aziz Rahman’s opinion on the announcement that Serious Fraud Office Director Lisa Osofsky is leaving her position.

With Osofsky set to leave at the end of her five-year tenure, a range of publications asked for Aziz’s assessment of her work as SFO Director.

Aziz told outlets, including Energy Voice and FN London, that while Lisa Osofsky had some successes, her tenure had been controversial.  He explained the problems with the SFO that had been highlighted by its Unaoil investigation, where disclosure failings led to the convictions of three individuals being quashed.

He added that her not seeking a new term could benefit the agency, as bringing somebody new in could be a “sensible next step’’, as “some fresh blood at the very top and some new thinking’’ could help the SFO regain its momentum.

Aziz also expressed his view that it was about time that the SFO operated at the same high levels as some of its international counterparts and focused on prosecuting individuals after corporates had been held to account.

Aziz's comments featured in FN London (subscription required) and Energy Voice.