Ex-Human Rights Lawyer Phil Shiner Admits to Fraud Over Iraq War Claims

Phil Shiner pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud related to false allegations against British Iraq War veterans, with sentencing set for December 2.

• Phil Shiner, 67, appeared at Southwark Crown Court where he admitted to three counts of fraud.
• Shiner was formerly the head of Public Interest Lawyers, a firm involved in pursuing claims against British soldiers.
• He sought £200,000 in legal aid funding in 2007, which led to an inquiry costing UK taxpayers £24 million.
• Shiner failed to disclose that agents were cold-calling potential clients and paying referral fees, which violated legal aid contract rules.
• The National Crime Agency stated that Shiner's actions caused significant distress to British armed forces members.

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