Encrochat Preparatory Hearing

Libertas Chambers Member Leads The Defence

Published: 23rd April 2021

Simon Csoka QC is leading the defence submissions in the key preparatory hearing upon Encrochat evidence in Manchester.

Simon is leading Oliver Cook and Frances Hertzog from Libertas and Imran Shafi QC from Exchange. We are instructed by Middleweeks and Potter Derby.

The submissions are being made by Simon and his juniors on behalf of all the defendants in Operations Embossed and Estevan before Dove J.

This is the lead case on many of the admissibility challenges to Encrochat. These are new factual and legal challenges to the legality and admissibility of the material. Other Venetic prosecutions are awaiting the outcome of the hearing and any consequent appeal by either side.

The preparatory hearing is due to resume on 4th May after having been adjourned part-heard. The proceedings are subject to reporting restrictions but solicitors are permitted to listen to the hearing through CVP. Our clerks are happy to assist with that.

Simon and Oli will deliver a webinar on Encrochat evidence once reporting restrictions permit.