After investigating the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, police have stated that Post Office criminal trials could not start until 2028. Commander Stephen Clayman, who heads Operation Olympos, clarified that progress is being achieved; however, it would rely on the determination of the final report of the inquiry that the people have to provide. This important piece of paper will inform the king of the charges. Case files are only transferred to the Crown Prosecution Service after being reviewed fully. Investigators are committed to putting a solid, unquestionable foundation for the Post Office criminal trials. Delays are frustrating, but the officials stress the point that justice should be prepared carefully.

What has caused the postponement of the trials?

The scandal has its roots in 1999, and bad software was used to falsely accuse hundreds of sub-postmasters of theft and fraud. Nearly 1,000 were prosecuted, but convictions were massively overturned by a new law in 2021. Operation Olympos investigation has now uncovered some seven core suspects, with 45-50 people having a potential interest. Nonetheless, the police will not hand files to the Crown Prosecution Service until the picture is complete, that is, until the publication of the second volume of the public Inquiry, which may not be seen until later this year, with no proceedings probably not beginning until 2028. Here is the link to our article on the Retail crime surge

Why can’t the Police Wait Until the Final Report of the Inquiry?

Commander Clayman reiterated that investigators should have access to all relevant documents that can support them in pressing formal criminal charges. Operation Olympos has so far examined more than 1.5 million records of digitized files and could go up to six million and more evidence turns out. The end report of the Sir Wyn Williams inquiry is also critical, as it will produce system-based failures and lapse of evidence. It is upon this that police can be able to complete the charges, thus making defendants and victims have a clear, culpable judicial practice.

Who are the suspected persons?

The first area that was investigated was close to the frontline of the scandal, with suspects being Post Office investigators, external solicitors, and decision-makers in legal prosecutions. In 2021, two suspects were cautioned and interviewed, and in 2021 two more men in their 60s were interviewed. Investigators have forwarded their investigation to higher spheres of management. This is done to make accountability descend within the organization and not only punish the bottom of the organization. Here is the link to our article on the Trump lawsuit fallout

What are the victims saying regarding the delay?

The innocent people who had been prosecuted complained of the snail’s pace. Tim Brentnall, the wrongfully convicted former sub-postmaster, told the paper that suspects should have “responsibility” but that the police should do it right. His conviction on a case of losses of 22500 lbs has been dismissed. Attorneys of a number of the aggrieved Post Office employees submit that the delay in justice is making victims wait a long time to see justice done on their cases– others have passed out without closure.

The scope of the Investigation?

Operation Olympos has more than 108 officers based in four regional centres and managed in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The work also contains the analysis of digital documents, interviews, and the liaison with the public inquiry. It is seen as a record that the Post Office is now accommodating, and both the organization and its IT contractor, Fujitsu, are now giving access to both data and expertise.

In which Year Will the Public Inquiry report be published?

The final report of the public inquiry is to be handed in on 8 July (Volume 1) and later in the year (Volume 2). In volume 2, administrative shortcomings, internal correspondence, and disciplinary papers are expected to be provided. After the publication of both volumes, the findings made by the detectives will be cross-referenced to the internal evidence, and a case will be handed to the prosecutors. Clayman pointed out that such a step resembles the process used in other large inquiries, conducting the work with precision and thoroughness.

What occurs when the trials start?

After cases have been taken before the court, the police and the prosecutors will present charges against people on the basis of fraud, misconduct, or perverting the course of justice. The trials may not start in the year 2028; however, there will be legal preparations such as hearings, disclosures, and pre-trial motions between and 2028. Such notions can be punished by a ban on traveling, a fine, or imprisonment based on the extent of the offense.

Why Can It Not Happen Faster?

The amount of files to be examined is immense, tens of millions of documents, which necessitate a thorough examination. Police must be precise to avoid a court ddisputetoon a lack of evidence or inadequate evidence. Even with a shortage of time and resources, investigators must ensure that they construct watertight cases. Clayman commented that the magnitude of the inquiry is in par with other pertinent crimes that have links to public inquiry, and it should be as careful.

How Does This Delay Affect Justice and Trust?

Trying the case on the long timetable is a challenge to both the victims and the trust of the public. The uncertainty and fear of the speeding pace by some stakeholders is that enthusiasm may die, or the emotions of people may simmer down before any attempt at trials. But their followers would say that rush might jeopardize convictions, and quality should be more important than speed. Lawyers are also cautioning that an early or low successful prosecution may lead to someone being acquitted and more emotional torture.

What is the Coordination in How Authorities Are Doing?

Operation Olympos cooperates between four local police forces and Police Scotland, and the PSNI. In the meantime, the Post Office and Fujitsu have grown together. The court of public opinion is matching the schedules, and police, as well as the prosecution, are counting on the current availability of documents that have emerged. Authorities emphasize that interagency cohesion has become solid and requires accountability.

Will All the Suspects Go to the Court?

Not necessarily. The police can decide that the fact that some individuals were acting to obey commands or supervisory procedures, and therefore decide not to send them to trial. Others will be charged, especially those who portray explicit evidence of the wrongdoing. Suspects are carefully chosen, and only the ones that have high probabilities are targeted. This intensive means is what victims anticipate will help in providing genuine accountability, and not a show trial.

Lessons of What Might Be Learned from the Scandal?

The Horizon scandal revealed innate defects in IT governance, managerial control, and institutional accountability. Currently, there are investigations and trials, and the legal community wants to make people and organizations accountable for systematic injustice. Among these lessons will be better tech standards, more clarity in oversight, and more protections for whistleblowers. On a larger scale, the case reflects the importance of strong checks and balances in governmental agencies.

Final Remarks As to Why the Post Office Criminal Trials Matter

The time lag in post office criminal trials is a clear reflection of the enormous effort required to correct one of the most serious miscarriages of justice in recent history. While this delay is understandably frustrating for those who were wrongly convicted, it also underscores the importance of ensuring that any prosecution is carried out with fairness and due process. These upcoming post office criminal trials, expected to begin around 2028, are not just about legal reckoning—they represent a path toward restoring public trust and reinforcing accountability within institutions. By focusing on a careful and thorough investigation rather than speed, the process creates a precedent for how systemic failures should be addressed. Ultimately, this journey is an opportunity for society and for the victims to witness justice done and ensure such an injustice is never repeated.