Ex-Southern Water boss charged with conspiracy to defraud over water tests
Summary
Matthew Wright, the former chief executive of Southern Water, and three others have been charged with a plan to cheat water quality tests from 2012 to 2017. They are accused of trying to avoid fines by tricking regulators about water pollution and treatment.Key Facts
- Matthew Wright and three other men face charges of conspiracy to defraud the Environment Agency (EA) and Ofwat, the water regulator.
- They are accused of creating fake "no-flow" events at wastewater treatment plants to hide problems.
- The alleged scheme took place between 2012 and 2017.
- Southern Water itself has been charged with multiple violations for not following environmental rules during that time.
- Wright tried to stop the charges through a legal challenge, but judges rejected this claim.
- The case is scheduled to be heard in Medway Magistrates' Court as of July 14, 2026.
- The accused are from different locations including Surrey, West Sussex, Shropshire, and Southampton.
- The charges involve cheating public authorities responsible for environmental and financial regulation.
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