Private intelligence firms have targeted the woman who accused ICC prosecutor Karim Khan of sexual abuse in a Qatar-funded investigation seeking to discover evidence that would harm her credibility, the Guardian reported on Thursday.
Those close to Khan have suggested that the accusation was part of an Israel-backed smear campaign following his 2024 decision to pursue arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.
The operation was led by Highgate, a self-described "strategic advisory firm" that assists in managing "high-stakes issues." Highgate sought to uncover any connections between the woman, her family, and Israel.
In response to the report, a Highgate spokesperson said that “Highgate never aimed at discrediting any individual, and we strongly believe that no alleged victim of serious crimes should ever be targeted nor their claims undermined."
Woman accused Khan of coercive sexual behavior, abuse of authority
The woman, a lawyer who worked directly for Khan, accused him of sexual abuse late last year. The alleged sexual abuse misconduct, including abuse of authority and coercive sexual behavior and abuse of authority, is said to have taken place during work trips, in Khan's office at the ICC, and at his home.
A UN watchdog is investigating her claims, and, according to the Guardian, a second woman has come forward with allegations of mistreatment during her internship for Khan.
Khan has repeatedly denied all mistreatment, and his lawyers have claimed that Khan "has been the subject of an orchestrated campaign" to discredit him.
The Guardian found no evidence to suggest that the women were in any way involved in a plot against the prosecutor.
The woman who accused Khan has been waiting for almost a year for the UN to complete its investigation.
"Where does this end, and how much will be allowed?" she asked. "If this is what international justice looks like, it is not the system that I have dedicated my life to serving. I have always done my work quietly and under the radar. I came to serve, not be seen."
She was shocked to learn of the operation. "The idea that private intelligence firms have been instructed to target me is as incomprehensible as it is heartbreaking.”
Qatar commissioned investigation
Referred to only as the "client country" or "Q country" by executives involved in the operation, Qatar commissioned the investigation earlier this year, according to documents uncovered by the Guardian.
In a statement, Highgate denied that the government of Qatar funded the investigation and also disputed the allegation that they sought information on the woman's child.
"Highgate led an independent assessment into potential covert or improper activities that may have sought to undermine the credibility, independence, or efficiency of the ICC,” Highgate said. “The review has considered several incidents involving multiple individuals over an extended period.”
The Guardian found no evidence of Khan's personal involvement in the operation. However, Khan's representatives said they did meet with Highgate.
Neither Highgate nor Khan's lawyers denied meeting, although Khan's lawyers said that they "had no knowledge of, let alone involvement in, the alleged activities" of the private intelligence firms.
Elicius Intelligence declined to comment, and the Qatari government did not respond to a request for comment.