Crooked lawyer admits legal aid fraud over false claims against Iraq war veterans
A CROOKED lawyer has admitted legal aid fraud involving drumming up false torture and murder claims against British soldiers in Iraq.
Disgraced Phil Shiner, 67, pursued cases against veterans, alleging ill-treatment of detainees during the 2003 Iraq war.
Yesterday, at London’s Southwark crown court, he admitted three counts of defrauding the Legal Services Commission for funding to pursue claims.
Shiner ran Public Interest Lawyers and hid the fact Iraqi complainants had been provided by an agent making cold calls on his behalf.
He claimed £200,000 in funding for his firm to represent clients — and raked in £3million.
He was struck off as a solicitor in 2017 over 12 misconduct charges.
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Sentencing is in December.
Andy Kelly, head of the National Crime Agency’s International Corruption Unit, said: “This conviction is a milestone in what has been a thorough and complex domestic and international investigation.
“Shiner’s actions resulted in untold pressure and anxiety on members of the British Armed Forces, pursuing legal challenges funded through dishonest actions.”