Operation Countryman: The Flawed Enquiry into London Police Corruption

In 1978, rumors surfaced of payments to the City of London Police and Scotland Yard to water-down evidence and arrange bail in armed robbery cases. The Home Secretary appointed Dorset Police to investigate, but the criminals' evidence was compromised, leading to two convictions and eight Metropolitan policemen acquitted. The author, a former senior Metropolitan police officer, has uncovered the shambolic COUNTRYMAN enquiry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 197 pages
Publication date: 19 March 2018
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In the summer of 1978, whispers from the depths of the underworld surfaced, alleging that substantial sums of money had been exchanged to manipulate evidence and secure bail in cases of armed robbery. Speculation even pointed to the involvement of Scotland Yard's Flying Squad. To investigate these allegations, the Home Secretary assigned the Dorset Police to the task. However, it soon became apparent to the criminals who relied on them for evidence that the Dorset Police were utterly unprepared for the task at hand. One inquiry after another fell victim to compromise, leaving the investigation in disarray. While the official name of the investigation was Operation COUNTRYMAN, the team behind it earned the unflattering nicknames "The Swedey" and "Malice in Blunderland." Despite a four-year inquiry that cost a staggering �4,000,000, only two convictions were secured, and the credit for these went to an undercover officer. Eight Metropolitan policemen were acquitted.

The Author, a former senior Metropolitan police officer, has delved into the details of the COUNTRYMAN enquiry with his extensive knowledge and contacts. He has shed light on the shambolic investigation, offering no punches in his revelations. This book provides a comprehensive account of the events and exposes the truth behind the scandal.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 234 x 162 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526712547