Met Police Officer Arrested Over Shocking Child Porn and Voyeurism Charges
Just before 5pm on Wednesday, 30 March, police were called to the scene where PC Swaleh Chaudhry, 36, a member of the Met’s elite Taskforce, was arrested on the spot. He was immediately suspended from duty.
Guilty Pleas in Court
On Friday, 1 April, PC Chaudhry appeared in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court. He pleaded guilty to:
- One count of voyeurism
- One count of possession of extreme pornography
- Three counts of making indecent images of a child
Met Commander Condemns Chaudhry’s Actions
Commander Kyle Gordon, head of the Met Taskforce, said: “Constable Swaleh Chaudhry’s actions are shocking, thoroughly reprehensible and completely against everything the Metropolitan Police stand for. It is right he now faces the full consequences of his crimes.
“Within 48 hours of the offences coming to light, we launched a swift, thorough investigation. He was charged and appeared in court without delay. This shows we are committed to rooting out corruption and misconduct in our ranks, and we will work fast to bring such officers to justice while rebuilding public trust.”
Investigation Details and Next Steps
PC Chaudhry was off duty when the offences took place. Police seized and forensically examined his electronic devices, uncovering extreme pornography and indecent images of children.
An Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) referral has been made. Chaudhry is due for sentencing at Kingston Crown Court on a date yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, misconduct proceedings will start as soon as possible.
The Met stresses it will not wait for ongoing inquiries to rebuild public confidence. Steps already underway include two independent reviews, thorough examinations of ongoing sexual and domestic abuse investigations, and boosting investigators in its professional standards directorate.
The Metropolitan Police say professionalism, integrity, courage, and compassion remain at their core. “We want only the best officers and will act decisively when employees fall short of our high standards,” said the Met.
