G4S may still be prosecuted
Troubled security company G4S may still face criminal prosecution over its alleged overcharging on electronic monitoring and prisoner escort contracts, The Guardian reports.
G4S and Serco are currently banned from bidding for contracts to run probation services in England and Wales. The Justice Secretary Chris Grayling reportedly said yesterday that he saw this as an opportunity to promote innovation.
In a statement today of preliminary financial results on the G4S website, Chief Executive Ashley Almanza acknowledges that it 'has been an extremely challenging year for G4S'. On the allegations surrounding Ministry of Justice contracts he says:
'In May 2013, the UK Ministry of Justice announced an investigation into billings made by G4S under electronic monitoring contracts since 2004. The company continues to engage in constructive discussions with the UK Government and we remain committed to resolving all matters relating to the electronic monitoring contracts.'
Ministry of Justice officials are due to be questioned by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee at 2.15 pm today on the government's probation privatisation plans.
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