Cop Accused of Preying on Teen Girls While on Duty
PC Adnan Arib Faces Shocking Misconduct Charges
PC Adnan Arib, 45, stationed at Bethnal Green police station in East London, stands accused of gross misconduct involving two teenage girls aged 15 and 16. He faces two counts of misconduct in public office, allegedly telling one teen she was “very pretty” before inviting her out.
Arib admits meeting the girls but denies any inappropriate intentions. At Southwark Crown Court, he claimed he was trying to help and advise them as part of his police work. However, prosecution lawyer Jacqueline Carey slammed his behaviour as “wholly inappropriate” and a clear breach of trust.
Alleged Grooming at Teen’s Home and Park Meet-Up
The drama began in July 2019 when Arib was called to a 15-year-old girl’s flat over a suspected theft of £10. According to the prosecution, Arib asked to speak to the girl alone in her bedroom, mouthing “say no” when she was questioned about the theft.
The teenager told the court he then asked her to write down her name, phone number, and email on a scrap of paper. “He asked me to meet after school,” she said in a recorded interview. The officer allegedly instructed her not to tell anyone—not even her mum.
Arib reportedly accessed police records to text the girl: “It was nice to meet you this morning. Are we still meeting this afternoon?” The court heard PC Arib had changed out of uniform into casual clothes by their meetup in the park, where he put his arm around her and probed about boyfriends and happiness.
“I’m pretty sure he mentioned drinks as well,” the teen added. The prosecution argued Arib used the theft investigation as a false pretext to arrange the meeting, seriously abusing his position.
Second Girl Felt “Weird” After Police Station Chat
The second complainant was found after being reported missing on 1 April 2019. The court heard she started feeling uncomfortable when Arib grilled her about her private life at the police station. He asked for her phone number, questioning if she was in a relationship, then told her he wanted to take her out because she was “very pretty.”
Evidence showed 47 text messages exchanged between Arib and this girl on a phone he initially denied owning. In a prepared statement, Arib admitted he “may have been naive” but insisted he was only trying to help.
Prosecution Demands Justice for Breach of Public Trust
Ms Carey told the court: “This officer was supposed to investigate a theft, but instead exploited it to pursue inappropriate contact with a minor. His actions betray public trust and cannot be excused.”
