Two senior leaders of the Police Digital Service (PDS) have been arrested on charges of fraud, bribery, and misconduct in a public office. The PDS, which provides digital services for British law enforcement, has an annual turnover exceeding £70 million and is owned by police and crime commissioners, funded by the Home Office and various police forces. The arrests were conducted by detectives from the City of London Police. Temporary Detective Superintendent James Halkett of the City of London Police stated, “The City of London Police are leading a criminal investigation into allegations made against two individuals employed by the Police Digital Service. The suspects have been arrested for fraud, bribery, and misconduct in a public office. The suspects have been interviewed and bailed pending the ongoing police investigation.” The criminal investigation began after allegations were reported earlier this year to the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). PDS confirmed that the two employees have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation and an independent employee misconduct review. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the company asserts that its work continues unaffected. The APCC, NPCC, and the Home Office are supporting the PDS board to ensure that frontline services remain operational and public funds are protected.
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