Post Office scandal journalist to speak at Oxford fraud conference

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https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/24624 ... onference/

An award-winning journalist and broadcaster who played a key role in uncovering the Post Office Horizon scandal is set to speak at a fraud conference in Oxford.

Nick Wallis will attend the Oxford City Council Counter Fraud and Investigation Service's ninth annual fraud conference on November 14.

The event, which is a key date in the counter-fraud calendar, will aim to showcase success stories, highlight emerging fraud risks, and promote best practices for fraud prevention and mitigation.

Mr Wallis will be joined by Ron Warmington from Second Sight, who was also instrumental in highlighting issues with the Horizon software and wrongful prosecutions by the Post Office.

The conference, which was attended by more than 150 delegates last year, will be held at Oxford Town Hall and is free for public sector delegates.

Councillor Ed Turner, the city council's cabinet member for finance and asset management, said: "Since its inception, the Oxford Investigation Service has been instrumental in preventing fraud losses and getting money and assets back, amounting to many millions of pounds.

"A visible deterrent to anyone considering fraudulent activity, it has delivered impressive results, holding wrongdoers accountable and securing vital public funds.

"They are outstanding leaders in the field of fraud prevention."

The service's key achievements since 2016 include the recovery of the second largest unlawful profit order at £143,000 under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013, the prevention of more than 270 fraudulent and irregular Right to Buy applications, and the recovery of over 230 council-owned properties lost to fraud, unlawful subletting, misuse, and abandonment.


The total amount recovered and saved by the service stands at more than £57 million.

Scott Warner, counter fraud manager at Oxford City Council, said: "Known as a centre of excellence for counter-fraud, the team has a long history of success in preventing and detecting fraud and financial irregularity.


"Our effective and innovative approach has been recognised independently, on multiple occasions, with performance award wins.

"The Annual Fraud Conference is our way of sharing best practice, case studies, equipping delegates with an armoury of counter-fraud solutions, and ensuring that we are always many steps ahead of those who seek to criminally exploit services."

The service has earned more than 10 awards, including recognitions for excellence in counter fraud, innovation, partnership working, and protecting the public purse.


It is dedicated to identifying and preventing fraudulent activities to protect public funds and ensure services and housing reach those with genuine needs, and works with more than 35 local authorities and housing providers across the UK.