IPCC supervised investigation in Operation Elveden leads to four arrests

The Independent Complaints Commission is supervising a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) investigation into alleged corruption.

This follows a referral made to the IPCC on 18 January and has this morning (28 January 2012) resulted in four arrests, made by MPS officers in London and Essex. 

This supervised investigation is part of the wider MPS investigation, Operation Elveden, referred by the MPS in July 2011, which is being supervised by the IPCC.

Following the referral on 18 January the IPCC carefully considered the materials provided by the MPS and met with officers from Operation Elveden and with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). It was following these discussions that the IPCC made the decision to continue a supervisory role in this aspect of Operation Elveden – at this time. This means that a senior investigator and his team will provide independent oversight to the MPS team, not only as part of today's operation, but on an ongoing basis. Should any further Operation Elveden referrals be received by the IPCC, each will be considered in the same way, on a case-by-case basis.

IPCC deputy Chair Deborah Glass said: "I have been personally supervising the Operation Elveden investigation since it was referred in July 2011. An IPCC senior investigator regularly reviews the investigation and lines of enquiry.

"It will be clear from today's events that this investigation is following the evidence. I am satisfied with the strenuous efforts being made by this investigation to identify police officers who may have taken corrupt payments and I believe the results will speak for themselves.

"By supervising this important development in Operation Elveden, the IPCC is providing crucial independent oversight in what is a complex criminal enquiry – not just in to allegations of corruption against police officers, but allegations involving members of the media.

"I have considered the IPCC's role and whether to use our powers more directly and in this particular instance, given the interlocking nature of the investigation and arrests which do not just involve police officers, I believe the priority is not around whose powers should be used, but for an effective investigation that brings wrongdoers to justice.

"While we continue to provide a supervisory role across Operation Elveden, I will consider each referral on its own merit and we will investigate independently if appropriate.”