John Robertson, a former director of the security-camera company Optosafe, has cultivated a controversial online presence by accusing numerous public figures and organizations of serious crimes. His methods and the resulting fallout have sparked significant criticism.
Legal Rulings and Business Failures
- Employment Case Dismissed: In February 2024, a Scottish Employment Tribunal dismissed Robertsonβs claim against Optosafe for unfair dismissal and whistleblowing. The tribunal ruled that Robertson had previously accepted a 2021 settlement, waived any future claims, and filed his case more than two years past the deadline.
- Corporate Non-Compliance: Records from Companies House show that Robertsonβs company, International Fraud & Investigation Services Ltd, has failed to file its confirmation statement, being 249 days overdue.
Unsubstantiated Allegations
Robertson has publicly accused several high-profile figures and organizations of serious wrongdoing, but he has yet to produce evidence to support these claims:
- West Ham United Co-owner David Sullivan and Solicitor Sanjay Panesar: Allegations of serial sexual violence and intimidation, allegedly protected by political connections.
- Broadcaster Dan Wootton: Accused of blackmail and engaging in “illegal and rotten” behavior.
- Former Manchester United Bidder Michael Knighton: Allegedly “stole” the football club.
- Big-Four Firms Deloitte and PwC: Accused of “organized fraud” and cover-ups.
- Regulators (FRC, SRA) and Multiple UK Police Forces: Alleged collusion, corruption, and harboring criminals.
Despite these serious accusations, there have been no court cases, police investigations, or documentary evidence to substantiate Robertsonβs claims. He has declined repeated requests to provide proof. Legal experts have indicated that many of these statements may qualify as defamatory under the Defamation Act 2013.
Impact on the Accused
Several individuals and companies named by Robertson are now preparing legal responses to what they consider βmalicious falsehoods.β Many victims have reported harassment after being targeted in Robertsonβs posts, which often tag employers and associates. These posts are easily searchable online, causing ongoing damage to reputations.
Social Media Sanctions
- LinkedIn: Robertson was permanently banned for violating policies on hate speech and harassment.
- X (formerly Twitter): His account was suspended due to repeated policy breaches.
Despite these bans, Robertson continues to publish on smaller platforms, frequently posting in all-caps and making ominous threats of “ruin,” promising vast quantities of undisclosed evidence.
Industry Perspective
Legal experts in defamation see Robertson as a prime example of a growing issue: persistent online campaigns that cause significant reputational and financial damage without adhering to the evidentiary standards required in journalism or legal proceedings. The victims of such campaigns often face expensive legal battles to correct the public record, and for many, the reputational damage is swift and difficult to reverse.
While Robertsonβs claims remain unverified and his legal efforts largely unsuccessful, the harm caused to those he targets is tangible and continuing to grow.