Top cops suspended after secret officers’ names ‘sent to mob’

TWO detectives have been suspended over claims that secret information – including the names of undercover officers – was leaked to a major organised crime group.

An investigation is being carried out by Police Scotland’s Professional Standards Department (PSD), which has searched several properties across Central Scotland in the past few weeks as part of its ongoing inquiries.

Premises searched included accommodation used by one of the detectives at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan, Fife.

The PSD – equivalent to TV show Line of Duty’s AC12 – investigates complaints from the public about officer conduct.

It also looks into alleged criminality, including corruption.

One allegation is that the names and photographs of undercover officers who carry out covert surveillance were obtained by a crime group.

Inquiries are at an early stage as the PSD tries to establish the truth of the claims.

The two officers are believed to be members of the force’s elite Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit, which forms part of its specialist crime division. Neither has been charged as yet with any offences.

The role of the affected undercover officers can include infiltrating criminal gangs and placing listening devices in vehicles and properties.

One source said: ‘These are highly trained cops who only target organised crime groups and use covert surveillance methods to gather intelligence and pass to colleagues.

‘If the allegations are true

‘Seriously compromised’

then they have been seriously compromised.’

One of the detectives has lectured to the same surveillance officers at Tulliallan.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘Officers carried out a number of searches at properties across Central Scotland as part of an investigation. Enquiries are ongoing.’

It is believed the two detectives previously had access to databases containing sensitive information about police personnel, including photographs.