Four Individuals Imprisoned for £6 Million Bribery and Corruption Offences Against NHS Scotland
Four people have been sentenced to a total of 29 years in prison after being found guilty of fraud, bribery, and corruption in connection with NHS Scotland. Two of those convicted were former NHS employees, while the other two held director positions at an external company involved in the offences. Prison sentences ranged from six to eight years for each person.
T he case was led by NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Services, with key support from Police Scotland and the NHSCFA’s Digital Forensic Unit. Investigators compiled more than 4,000 items of evidence, including dozens of mobile phones and laptops, and interviewed over 250 witnesses to build the case.
The investigation originated following an enquiry into missing mobile phones and unaccounted bills for overseas calls. Subsequent enquiries revealed that, between 2010 and 2017, two individuals working for the NHS accepted bribes, hospitality, and cash incentives totalling £100,000. In exchange, they provided sensitive information useful for awarding contracts valued at £6 million. These contracts related to the provision, installation, and maintenance of telecommunications and video conferencing across NHS Scotland. Many incentives and inducements were ultimately found to have been paid for by the NHS itself through fraudulent, inflated, or duplicate invoices. In 2015, search warrants were executed at both NHS and company premises, during which significant physical
and digital evidence was collected. The Digital Forensic Unit created on-site forensic copies of company servers and analysed thousands of text messages and emails, uncovering deliberate efforts to divert and misuse NHS funds for personal benefit, undermining both patient care and public trust. Senior figures from NHS Scotland Counter Fraud Services and the NHSCFA highlighted that this prosecution demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting NHS funds and serves as a clear warning that financial crimes within the health service will be pursued vigorously.
COUNTER FRAUD | SCRUTTON BLAND | 7
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