Met Police Ends Probe into UK Gambling Scandal, UKGC’s Investigation Continues

The UK Metropolitan Police has concluded its probe into the general election, arguing that the offenses did not constitute misconduct in public office. In the meantime, the UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) investigation continues.

The Mets Will No Longer Investigate the Matter

On Friday, the police said that it had ended its investigation as the offenses did not reach the high bar needed to prove misconduct. In addition, the police said that an officer attached to the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command who had been arrested over similar suspicions will have no further action taken against him.

The politicians and officer in question, for context, were involved in a huge political betting scandal for having placed wagers on the date of Rishi Sunak’s snap election. Critics alleged that this might have constituted insider betting since the politicians in question might have had access to critical privileged information.

The UKGC has launched an ongoing investigation into this matter. However, the Metropolitan Police suspected that a few cases might have also seen misconduct in public office take place.

After consulting the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on the matter, the Metropolitan Police was advised that the evidence was not serious enough to prove such misconduct. As a result, the police wrapped up its investigation and left the rest to the UKGC.

UKGC’s Probe Continues

As mentioned, the British gambling regulator will continue its probe to see whether the people involved in the gambling scandal have committed any violations of the Gambling Act. The UKGC suspects possible cheating under Section 42 of the Act and continues to investigate the matter.

The authority will continue to seek further evidence and speak with witnesses, according to Andrew Rhodes, chief executive officer of the UKGC.

Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin, meanwhile, emphasized that the conclusion of the Metropolitan Police’s investigation does not mean that it’s “an all clear” for those whose cases were investigated.  

Goodwin added that violations to the Gambling Act are still being considered and noted that the UKGC, whose members have a lot of experience in this field, will handle the rest.

The seven police officers who are believed to have been involved in the betting scandal are currently being investigated by the Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of Professional Standards as well, Goodwin added.