An email exchange on June 26, 2022 between Justin Cole (IRS-CI), Simon York (HMRC FIS Director), and a wide J5 communications group, discussing last-minute changes to the Operation Atlantis OCIF press conference format. OCIF's lawyers raised concerns about J5 participation—specifically the optics of 3 J5 Chiefs speaking compared to 1 OCIF Director—and the many legal hurdles required to even proceed with the announcement. Justin Cole presents two options: (1) proceed as planned with all chiefs at one event, or (2) split into two events—OCIF Director announces first with J5 Chiefs on screen but not speaking, then J5 Chiefs hold a separate call 45 minutes later where all remarks are delivered and questions entertained. Simon York (HMRC) responds endorsing option 2 and noting from the UK perspective that J5 involvement benefits from at least one Chief being visible alongside OCIF.
