Metropolitan Police detectives have concluded their role in the ongoing investigation into bets placed on the date of the General Election, the force has confirmed. The investigation, which focused on potential breaches of Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005 (Cheating), was initially launched in June in collaboration with the Gambling Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
While the Gambling Commission focused on possible breaches under the Gambling Act, the Met Police examined a smaller number of cases where additional offences, such as Misconduct in Public Office, may have applied. These cases were reviewed by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who sought early advice from the CPS.
Despite a thorough assessment, it was determined that the evidence did not meet the high threshold required to prove Misconduct in Public Office. As a result, it has been agreed that the most appropriate criminal offences to pursue fall under the Gambling Act. The Met’s involvement in the criminal investigation has now ended, and the cases have been handed back to the Gambling Commission for further investigation.
Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin said: “These allegations caused a significant dent in public confidence during the election campaign, and it was right that they were investigated to explore all possible offences. While our involvement in the criminal investigation now ceases, it’s important that this is not misinterpreted as an all-clear for those whose cases were looked at.”
The investigation has included the questioning of several suspects under caution, with the Gambling Commission continuing to gather further documentary and electronic evidence. Seven police officers are among those still under investigation by the Gambling Commission, and they also remain under review by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards.
Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that confidentiality is paramount to ensure a fair outcome. “We clearly appreciate the level of public interest there is in this investigation,” he said, “but we are unable to comment further at this time.”
An officer attached to the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command was arrested in connection with the investigation on suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office and later bailed. No further action will be taken against him for that specific offence, and no other arrests or interviews under caution have been made by the police.
The Gambling Commission, which has statutory responsibility for investigating and prosecuting offences under the Gambling Act 2005, will now take over the ongoing investigation
