Individuals investigated by the Specialist Investigation Teams

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.25.043083

I note you seek access to the following information:

regarding the investigation of powerful figures in society by the Metropolitan Police Service.

Specifically, I would like to request information held regarding the following:

1. Specialist Investigation Teams – Does the Metropolitan Police have dedicated teams or units exclusively focused on investigating serious criminal offences committed by the most powerful individuals in society. This includes, but is not limited to:
   • Members of Parliament (MPs), Cabinet Ministers, and other senior politicians
   • Senior judges
   • Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and other C-suite executives
   • Archbishops and other high-ranking religious leaders
   • Senior police officers, including Metropolitan Police Commissioners and Chiefs
   • Leaders of military and intelligence organisations
   
   
2. Operational Structure – If such teams exist:
   • What are their names, mandates, and areas of focus.
   • What criteria determine whether a case involving a high-profile individual is investigated by these teams.
   • What internal procedures, policies, or guidelines dictate how such investigations are conducted.
   
   
3. Case Handling and Oversight –
   • Are these investigations subject to any specific oversight mechanisms or independent review processes.
   • How does the Metropolitan Police ensure impartiality and prevent undue influence in cases involving powerful individuals.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full. Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - Specialist Investigation Teams – Does the Metropolitan Police have dedicated teams or units exclusively focused on investigating serious criminal offences committed by the most powerful individuals in society? This includes, but is not limited to:

• Members of Parliament (MPs), Cabinet Ministers, and other senior politicians
• Senior judges
• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and other C-suite executives
• Archbishops and other high-ranking religious leaders
• Senior police officers, including Metropolitan Police Commissioners and Chiefs
• Leaders of military and intelligence organisations

The Special Enquiry Team (SET) was established in order to investigate sensitive and confidential enquiries within London involving high profile subjects and politically exposed persons, including some of the roles you have listed.

There is a well-established and robust Regulatory Process in place to deal with Officer Misconduct, which is any conduct that breaches the Standards of Professional Behaviour. This process is overseen by both The Mayor's Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC), as the PCC equivalent for the Met, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). They not only oversee how Police investigate Public Complaints and conduct matters, but they actively take investigations in-house themselves. If the allegations relate to a senior Officer then it is more likely that the IOPC would investigate independently. With regard to investigations held within the MPS, decision making is always at the rank of the Officer under investigation or higher. Senior Officers are investigated for criminal allegations without fear or favour and to a similar level as a member of the public. These are also overseen by the IOPC. The investigating Force has the option of referring the matter to another Force in order to maintain sufficient independence.

In answer to your second question:

SET is the relevant unit within the MPS investigating this. This team predominantly investigates allegations of serious offences committed by those in public office and / or in the Parliamentary Estate when the matter relates specifically to their duties as a public official. The unit also investigates allegations of electoral fraud and malpractice.

In answer to your third question:

SET investigations are conducted to the same high degree as all MPS-led investigations. High standards are expected by those on the unit, as with all MPS officers, in investigating these offences. Officers are vetted to an appropriate level in order to work on the team.

Q2 - Operational Structure – If such teams exist:

• What are their names, mandates, and areas of focus.
• What criteria determine whether a case involving a high-profile individual is investigated by these teams.
• What internal procedures, policies, or guidelines dictate how such investigations are conducted.

SET is the relevant unit within the MPS investigating this. This team predominantly investigates allegations of serious offences committed by those in public office and / or in the Parliamentary Estate when the matter relates specifically to their duties as a public official. The unit also investigates allegations of electoral fraud and malpractice.

Q3 - Case Handling and Oversight –

• Are these investigations subject to any specific oversight mechanisms or independent review processes.
• How does the Metropolitan Police ensure impartiality and prevent undue influence in cases involving powerful individuals.

SET investigations are conducted to the same high degree as all MPS-led investigations. High standards are expected by those on the unit, as with all MPS officers, in investigating these offences. Officers are vetted to an appropriate level in order to work on the team.