The Fujitsu Post Office scandal is the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British legal history, involving the wrongful prosecution of over 900 subpostmasters due to defects in the Horizon IT system developed by Fujitsu. Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office relentlessly pursued branch managers for alleged financial shortfalls that were, in reality, caused by software bugs, errors, and “remote access” manipulations. In 2024, the UK government enacted the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Act to mass-exonerate victims, and as of February 2026, the ongoing statutory public inquiry led by Sir Wyn Williams has moved into its final stages of establishing individual accountability and financial redress. To date, over £1.4 billion has been paid in compensation to more than 11,300 victims, while Fujitsu faces increasing pressure to contribute its share to the estimated £1.8 billion total redress bill.
The Roots of the Horizon IT Scandal
The crisis began in 1999 when the Post Office rolled out the Horizon accounting system, a software suite designed by ICL (later acquired by Fujitsu) to automate branch accounts.
Despite early warnings from subpostmasters that the system was generating “phantom” shortfalls, the Post Office maintained that Horizon was “robust.” Internal documents revealed in the 2025 inquiry sessions suggest that Fujitsu engineers had remote access to branch accounts and could alter data without the subpostmasters’ knowledge—a fact that was flatly denied in court for nearly two decades.
The Human Impact and Prosecutions
Between 1999 and 2015, approximately 900 subpostmasters were prosecuted for theft, fraud, and false accounting based on flawed Horizon data.
The consequences for those accused were devastating. Many were sentenced to prison, lost their homes, and faced bankruptcy. The scandal has been linked to at least 13 suicides and hundreds of broken families. Victims like Alan Bates, who founded the Justice For Subpostmasters Alliance (JFSA), fought for over 20 years to prove that the “black hole” in their accounts was a technical glitch rather than criminal intent.
Fujitsu’s Role and Responsibility
Fujitsu Services Ltd, the Japanese tech giant’s UK subsidiary, provided the technical evidence used to convict subpostmasters.
In 2024, Fujitsu Europe CEO Paul Patterson admitted that the company had a “moral obligation” to contribute to compensation. However, as of January 2026, Fujitsu has yet to pay a specific figure into the government-funded redress scheme, stating they will wait for the final inquiry report. Despite the scandal, Fujitsu still holds over 60 active government contracts worth billions, including critical systems for HMRC and the Home Office.
2026 Inquiry and Legal Status
The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, chaired by Sir Wyn Williams, is currently in its final phase in early 2026.
Mass Exoneration: The 2024 legislation automatically quashed hundreds of convictions in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Compensation Schemes: Three main schemes are active: the Overturned Convictions Scheme (OCS), the Horizon Shortfall Scheme (HSS), and the Group Litigation Order (GLO) scheme.
The “Capture” System: In 2026, attention has also turned to Capture, a precursor to Horizon used in the 1990s, with a separate redress scheme now paying out to victims of that earlier software.
Practical Information and Redress Guidance
If you or a family member were affected by the Horizon or Capture systems, the following practical steps are relevant in 2026.
How to Apply for Redress
Applications for compensation can be made through the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) or the Post Office’s dedicated portals.
Fixed Sum Offers: Victims can often choose an upfront fixed sum (e.g., £75,000 or £600,000 for quashed convictions) or opt for a full assessment of their specific losses.
Legal Support: The government now provides funded legal advice to help victims navigate the complex claims process.
Deadline: While some early schemes have closed, the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme remains open for those whose convictions were recently quashed by the 2024 Act.
What to Expect
Claimants should expect a process involving forensic accounting to verify past losses, including “repayment” of phantom shortfalls, loss of earnings, and “stigma” damages.
FAQs
Who is the main person responsible for the scandal?
While the inquiry is still naming individuals, much focus has been on former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells, who returned her CBE in 2024, and senior Fujitsu engineers who provided testimony in court.
How many convictions have been overturned by 2026?
As of early 2026, the majority of the 900+ prosecutions are being systematically quashed through a combination of High Court appeals and the 2024 blanket legislation.
Is Fujitsu still getting UK government contracts?
Yes, despite a voluntary pause on bidding for new work in 2024, Fujitsu continues to manage over 60 existing contracts for essential public services like the Home Office and HMRC.
What was the “Mr Bates vs The Post Office” drama?
It was a 2024 ITV television drama that dramatized the struggle of Alan Bates and the subpostmasters, which triggered massive public outcry and forced the government to accelerate justice.
Can families of deceased subpostmasters claim compensation?
Yes, the government has confirmed that estates of deceased victims are eligible for full and fair redress through the various compensation schemes.
What is the “Capture” system?
Capture was the PC-based software used before Horizon (early to mid-1990s). In 2025/2026, the government acknowledged it suffered from similar bugs and launched a dedicated redress scheme for its users.
Will anyone go to prison for the cover-up?
The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating the Post Office for potential fraud and perjury offenses related to the original prosecutions.
How much money has been paid out in total?
By February 2026, the UK government has paid out over £1.4 billion across all compensation schemes related to the Horizon IT scandal.
What is “Remote Access” in this context?
It refers to the ability of Fujitsu staff at their Bracknell headquarters to enter a subpostmaster’s terminal and change figures without their knowledge or consent.
What is the role of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC)?
The CCRC is an independent body that reviews potential miscarriages of justice and refers cases to the Court of Appeal if they believe a conviction is unsafe.
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