UK Police Discontinues Inquiry into UK Gambling Controversy; UK Gambling Commission's Probe Persists
The Metropolitan Police has concluded its investigation into a political betting scandal involving politicians and an officer who placed wagers on the date of Rishi Sunak's snap election. The decision not to pursue the investigation further is based on advice received from the Crown Prosecution Service.
Seven police officers, believed to have been involved in the betting scandal, are currently being investigated by the Metropolitan Police's Directorate of Professional Standards. However, the searched results do not provide the name of the individual under investigation by the UK Gambling Commission or the date when the investigation began.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), whose members have experience in this field, will handle the rest of the investigation. The UKGC suspects possible cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act. Andrew Rhodes, chief executive officer of the UKGC, will continue to seek further evidence and speak with witnesses.
Critics alleged that this might have constituted insider betting, as the politicians in question might have had access to critical privileged information. The UKGC continues its investigation into the political betting scandal to determine if any violations of the Gambling Act have occurred.
The Metropolitan Police's investigation found that the offenses did not constitute misconduct in public office. After consulting the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Metropolitan Police was advised that the evidence was not serious enough to prove such misconduct.
An officer attached to the Royalty and Specialist Protection Command, who was arrested over similar suspicions, will face no further action. Detective Superintendent Katherine Goodwin emphasized that the conclusion of the Metropolitan Police's investigation does not mean it's 'an all clear' for those whose cases were investigated.
Goodwin added that violations to the Gambling Act are still being considered. The UKGC's investigation into the political betting scandal is ongoing, and the public is encouraged to wait for the results before forming conclusions.
