Fujitsu, a leading Japanese tech firm, is implicated in the UK's Post Office scandal, one of the country's most significant legal misjudgments.
The company created the Horizon accounting system, and its European leader, Paul Patterson, is scheduled to address the Business and Trade select committee.
MPs are seeking clarity on how Horizon's defects led to the wrongful prosecution of nearly a thousand Post Office managers.
Fujitsu's involvement with UK government IT projects dates back to the 1990s after purchasing ICL, a trusted British IT firm. This acquisition paved the way for Fujitsu's participation in government contracts.
The company faces pressing inquiries:
- Awareness of Horizon's Issues: Fujitsu secured the contract to digitize Post Office transactions in 1996, with the system implemented in 1999. Early reports of issues surfaced, raising questions about the prevalence of fraud versus system errors.
- Response to Problem Reports: Fujitsu and the Post Office seemingly favored the theory of misconduct by managers over accepting system faults, even as evidence suggested otherwise.
- Honesty of Fujitsu's Staff: Former Post Office chief, Paula Vennells, claimed reliance on Fujitsu's assurances that Horizon was secure. Investigations into perjury by two Fujitsu employees challenge these assurances.
- Compensation Liability: After a 2019 High Court ruling identified system defects, the Post Office settled with affected managers. Currently, over 4,000 individuals are eligible for compensation from government-funded schemes. It's questioned whether Fujitsu will also offer compensation.
- Ongoing Business with Fujitsu: Despite the scandal, the Horizon system remains active, with Fujitsu receiving over £95 million to maintain it until 2025. Fujitsu continues securing government contracts, casting doubts on its trustworthiness in delivering vital services.