Paralegal Caught Red-Handed Feeding Secrets to Crime Gangs
Rachel Simpson, once a trusted paralegal at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), was arrested in June 2020 by South Wales Police’s Anti-Corruption Unit. The probe, later taken over by Tarian – the Regional Organised Crime Unit for Southern Wales – uncovered shocking betrayal.
Spilling Secrets to Organised Crime in Newport and Merseyside
Evidence revealed Simpson had leaked sensitive information from both police and CPS sources to organised crime groups not just in Newport, but also Merseyside, over several years. Her insider access made her a dangerous liability to justice.
Police and CPS Slam ‘Betrayal of Trust’
“Simpson enjoyed a position of trust and responsibility within the CPS which she betrayed, letting down her colleagues, the police and the public,” said Detective Inspector Matt Houghton from Tarian.
“She faced two counts of misconduct in public office and 29 computer misuse charges. The evidence was overwhelming – she pled guilty at the earliest chance.”
Andrew Penhale, Chief Crown Prosecutor, added: “Simpson regularly accessed sensitive information with no business need. Twice, she passed this material directly to organised criminals.”
“The CPS demands integrity from all staff handling confidential data. Simpson fell far short. We prosecute wrongdoing swiftly and keep our systems under tight review.”
This high-profile breach shines a spotlight on the risks of insider threats within justice agencies and the serious consequences that follow.
