Officers under investigation for handling counterfeit goods
Twenty-two Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers have been placed on restricted duties following “serious allegations” that they have been involved in handling counterfeit goods.
The matter first came to light on Friday (November 15) and was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). It, in turn, asked GMP’s Professional Standards Branch to investigate.
The incidents are believed to centre around items of clothing obtained from a number of shops in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester. The officers allegedly involved have now been moved to different stations and not allowed to work with the public or have access to police computers.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: “The public rightly expects the highest standards from our officers and as such it is appropriate that we conduct a thorough and robust investigation into the serious concerns raised.”
An IOPC spokesperson said: “We received a referral from GMP in relation to an allegation involving the handling of counterfeit goods by officers. We have assessed the information we have so far and have decided that this should be locally investigated.”
