Scotland Yard missing cash claims

The pressure on Sir Ian Blair has intensified after it emerged that Scotland Yard was probing allegations that millions of pounds in “expenses” had gone missing.

The Met’s professional standards watchdog has launched a review of spending on American Express cards issued to staff.

According to the News of the World, up to £6 million is unaccounted for and anti-corruption officers are preparing to interview hundreds of detectives.

There are claims that cash has been lavished on luxury watches, flatscreen TVs and holidays.

A spokesman for the Yard confirmed that two of the force’s detectives had been arrested last month on suspicion of theft in connection to the probe.

“The Director of Professional Standards is currently conducting a review around the issue and usage of the Met’s American Express cards,” he said. “Any alleged criminality that is uncovered will be dealt with robustly. We have a comprehensive plan to recover any money that is outstanding.”

The Met spokesman said the detectives were arrested on October 5 and October 8 respectively, and both had been bailed pending further investigation.

The news comes as the clamour for the Commissioner to step down over the Stockwell tragedy continues to grow.

An Independent Police Complaints Commission report into the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes criticised Sir Ian personally last week for holding up its investigation.

Scotland Yard was also found guilty at the Old Bailey of endangering the public during the botched operation, which saw the innocent Brazilian killed after being mistaken for a would-be suicide bomber.

http://news.uk.msn.com/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=6652240

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