Three PFEW representatives arrested in fraud investigation

City of London Police said a 46-year-old man from Surrey, a 51-year-old man from Wales and a 55-year-old man from Bristol were all arrested on “suspicion of fraud by abuse of position”.

Over the past year the City of London Police said its Domestic Corruption Unit (DCU) has undertaken a “significant investigation” into allegations of fraud by abuse of position contrary to Section 4 of the Fraud Act (2006) in relation to the PFEW.

In a statement it said: “On Wednesday morning, March 4, DCU officers executed Schedule 1 Pace 1984 search warrants in Wales, Somerset, London and Surrey to arrest suspects and gather evidence.

Detective Superintendent James Halkett, of the City of London Police DCU, said: “The City of London Police DCU are leading a criminal investigation into allegations of fraud made against three individuals connected to the national PFEW.

“A 46-year-old man from Surrey, a 51-year-old man from Wales and a 55-year-old man from Bristol were all arrested on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position.”

Det Supt Halkett added “This is a complex and active investigation in which we are pursuing all lines of enquiry, and I would ask that anyone with further information related to our enquiries contact us via our major incident Public Portal.”

In a statement following the arrests, a PFEW spokesperson said: “We are aware that three individuals connected to the Police Federation have been arrested as part of an ongoing police investigation.

“This is a live matter and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.

“The organisation is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.

“Our focus remains on continuing the work of the Federation and representing our members across England and Wales.”

City of London Police said to support a “targeted, open and transparent witness appeal”, a Major Incident Public Portal has been opened under Operation Kuat.