The Serious Fraud Office has charged three former executives of security giant G4S Care and Justice Services (UK) with multiple offences in relation to an alleged scheme to defraud the Ministry of Justice.

Richard Morris, former managing director of G4S, Mark Preston, former commercial director of the company’s electronic monitoring business, and James Jardine, former finance manager of the electronic monitoring business, have each been charged with seven offences of fraud in connection with allegedly false representations made to the MoJ between 2009 and 2012.

The individuals appeared for their first hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today and are due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 6 October. Reporting restrictions were not lifted. 

G4S provides custody, detention, rehabilitation and care services in the UK and Australia. It has electronic monitoring and custodial services businesses, as well as working with offenders on release. 

Update: On 6 October, the trial date was set for 10 January 2022, where the case has been listed for 10-12 weeks. The three men have yet to enter pleas formally but it is understood they will plead not guilty.