UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's bodyguard has been arrested and suspended by the Metropolitan Police amidst a significant investigation into alleged bets on the general election date.
The Met was alerted by the Gambling Commission last Friday regarding alleged bets made by a police constable from its Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, according to BBC reports.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the matter was "immediately referred to officers in the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards," who initiated an investigation and removed the officer from operational duties.
On Monday, the officer was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The individual was taken into custody and later released on bail pending further inquiries.
A Met Police spokesperson stated, "We can confirm that on Friday, 14 June, the Met were contacted by the Gambling Commission who informed us that they were investigating alleged bets made by a Police Constable from the Met's Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, related to the timing of the General Election. The matter was immediately referred to officers in the Met's Directorate of Professional Standards, who opened an investigation, and the officer was also removed from operational duties. The officer was subsequently arrested on Monday 17 June on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was taken into custody and bailed pending further enquiries. The matter has also been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The Gambling Commission continues to lead the investigation into the alleged betting offences, and our investigation is running in parallel to that."
The Gambling Commission has stated it is investigating "the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election." A spokesperson added, "The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the interests of consumers and the wider public. Currently, the commission is investigating the possibility of offences concerning the date of the election. This is an ongoing investigation, and the commission cannot provide any further details at this time."
In response to the arrest of Sunak's protection officer, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper commented, "Rishi Sunak must call a Cabinet Office inquiry into what is shaping up to be yet another scandal at the heart of Government. This stinks of yet more sleaze and answers are needed. An inquiry is needed to understand who knew what and when.
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