The woman who has accused the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, of sexual misconduct was subjected to a covert intelligence operation allegedly conducted on behalf of Qatar, according to leaked files seen by The Guardian.
The operation, led by London-based firm Highgate and at least one other private intelligence company, sought sensitive information about the woman, including her passport details and data about her child. The aim was to find evidence to undermine her credibility and her abuse claims against Khan, a prominent British lawyer.
People familiar with the operation said it was commissioned by a high-level diplomatic unit within the Qatari state. Highgate confirmed it worked on a project related to the ICC but denied it was paid or commissioned by the Qatari government. The firm described itself as a “strategic advisory firm” based in London’s Mayfair district.
The woman told The Guardian she was appalled by the “disturbing” operation. Khan has denied the abuse allegations, and his associates have suggested the claims are part of an Israel-backed smear campaign following his decision in 2024 to seek an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Guardian has found no evidence to support that suggestion.
The operation also appears to have targeted other ICC officials. Khan has stepped aside pending a UN inquiry into his conduct. The Guardian has seen no evidence that Khan had any personal involvement in the intelligence operation, though people familiar with it said Highgate met Khan’s representatives.
