Former Commerzbank Analyst Jailed in UK for Making False Sexual Harassment Claims

A former Commerzbank analyst has been sentenced to 20 months in prison in the United Kingdom after being found guilty of fabricating sexual harassment allegations against a female colleague in an attempt to win compensation through an employment tribunal.

The case, which concluded on Friday, involved 33-year-old Damilare Ajao, who briefly worked at the German bank’s London office in 2019 as a “know your client” analyst responsible for vetting new clients and conducting compliance checks. He was dismissed after less than six months in the role following concerns about his performance.

After his dismissal, Ajao launched a legal claim accusing a female coworker of sexual harassment and suggesting that the bank had unfairly terminated his employment. The tribunal initially began hearing the case in 2020, but inconsistencies in his statements soon raised doubts about the authenticity of his allegations.

A subsequent investigation by law enforcement found that Ajao had fabricated evidence, including falsified messages, in an effort to strengthen his compensation claim. Prosecutors said he pursued the case “dishonestly and deliberately” to obtain financial damages he was not entitled to.

Judge Nicholas Hill, delivering the sentence at Southwark Crown Court, described Ajao’s actions as a calculated attempt to deceive both the tribunal and his former employer. “This was not an impulsive act but a carefully planned and dishonest pursuit of undeserved damages,” the judge said. He added that Ajao’s false claims had caused reputational harm to his former colleague and undermined the integrity of the justice system.

During the hearing, the court heard that the false allegations led to significant distress for the female employee, who faced scrutiny and emotional strain as a result of the claims. The judge noted that Ajao’s actions could have discouraged genuine victims of workplace harassment from coming forward, calling his conduct “deeply damaging and cynical.”

Commerzbank welcomed the verdict, saying in a statement that it had fully cooperated with authorities throughout the investigation. “We are satisfied that justice has been served in this matter,” a spokesperson said, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to maintaining a respectful and transparent workplace culture.

Prosecutors emphasized that the case highlights the seriousness of making false allegations and the importance of protecting both victims and the integrity of the legal process. “False claims not only harm the individuals targeted but also erode confidence in mechanisms designed to protect employees from genuine misconduct,” said a representative from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Ajao’s defense argued that he had been under financial pressure at the time and acted out of desperation, but the judge rejected the explanation, citing the deliberate nature of his actions and the extensive effort involved in fabricating evidence.

The sentencing brings an end to a case that has drawn attention in the financial sector, where compliance and ethical standards are closely monitored. Legal experts say it serves as a reminder of the consequences of misusing legal channels for personal gain.

Ajao will serve half of his 20-month sentence in custody, with the remainder under supervised release.