Using freedom of information laws to frustrate accountability: Two case studies of UK banking frauds

Freedom of information laws can arguably enhance public accountability of policymakers and check unethical and corrupt behaviour by the state and corporate elites. This paper provides case studies relating to the affairs of two fraud-infested banks in the UK. The information was secured through a direct engagement with ministers, courts, judges and the state apparatus via freedom of information laws. The cases draw attention to the politics of public accountability and show the difficulties encountered by anyone seeking information about banking frauds. The cases show that the state apparatus goes to considerable lengths to shield elites from public scrutiny.