The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has discontinued a decade-long prosecution and identified a further issue affecting its historic disclosure system.
The agency confirmed that approximately 20 long-running cases may have been impacted by how certain “digital container files” were expanded within its former Autonomy Introspect e-discovery platform. The system has since been replaced.
One affected case has been reviewed with no evidence of material being missed. The remaining cases are currently under review. The SFO stated that its current disclosure platform, OpenText Axcelerate, is not affected.
London Mining Case Dropped
At a hearing before Southwark Crown Court, the SFO formally discontinued its prosecution relating to the London Mining plc investigation, which began more than ten years ago.
Following a detailed review, the agency concluded there was no realistic prospect of conviction. It cited significant delays to trial, difficulties obtaining and reviewing evidence, and challenges with witness material.
The development has prompted criticism from parts of the legal sector, with concerns raised over historic disclosure management and the handling of complex, document-heavy investigations.
