Top Met Brass Sacked for Gross Misconduct in Shocking Probe
A high-profile misconduct hearing wrapped up on Sunday, 16 January, exposing serious breaches of conduct by senior Metropolitan Police officers. The findings and sanctions were publicly unveiled, revealing serious failings at the heart of the force.
Chief Supt Paul Martin Axed Over Corporate Credit Card Abuse and Bullying
Chief Superintendent Paul Martin was found guilty of gross misconduct, breaching multiple Standards of Professional Behaviour. Charges include dishonesty, misuse of authority, disrespect towards colleagues—including a pregnant staff member—and failure to declare conflicts of interest during a promotion process involving Chief Inspector Davinder Kandohla.
Martin’s misuse of the corporate credit card and poor treatment of junior officers cemented his downfall. He was dismissed without notice.
Chief Inspector Kandohla Also Bounced for Dishonesty and Conflicts
Chief Inspector Davinder Kandohla was also found guilty of gross misconduct. He failed to declare a conflict of interest during his own promotion process, gave misleading statements to investigators about expense claims, and displayed unacceptable behaviour towards junior staff.
Kandohla was promptly dismissed without notice.
Mixed Verdict for Other Officers in Sweeping Misconduct Probe
- Sergeant James Di-Luzio was found guilty of misconduct related to misuse of a corporate credit card and poor conduct towards junior officers. He received management advice rather than dismissal.
- PC Karina Kandohla was cleared of all allegations.
The investigation began in July 2018, following concerns over the promotion process, and expanded in 2019 to include workplace behaviour and misuse of funds. The misconduct took place between 2017 and 2019 while the officers were assigned to Frontline Policing and Met Operations.
Met Commander Condemns ‘Appalling’ Leadership Failings
“The behaviour demonstrated by these officers has no place in the Met,” said Commander Catherine Roper. “These leaders abused their trusted positions—especially in their treatment of junior staff. This behaviour will not be tolerated. We will keep holding officers to account to maintain public trust.”
An additional Chief Inspector—formerly an Inspector—also received management action for lesser breaches, focusing on improving future standards.
Rebuilding Public Trust is Top Priority
The Met stressed the crucial importance of public trust in keeping London safe. Several initiatives are already underway, including the Deputy Commissioner’s Delivery Group, the Mayor’s Action Plan, and the STRIDE Action Plan. Enhanced investigations into sexual and domestic abuse allegations, plus more Professional Standards staff, underline the force’s commitment to reform.
“The Met is driven by professionalism, integrity, courage and compassion. We will act firmly whenever anyone falls below the standards Londoners expect and deserve,” added the force.
