The Gibraltar Police are experiencing difficult times following an alleged case of corruption in the police force which has caused around twenty current and former Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) officers to mobilize to seek clarity and justice. It seems, tell Southern Europehad sent a letter to the British colony’s governor, Vice Admiral Sir David Steel, calling for an independent investigation into possible “serious criminal offences, abuses, corruption and public harm.”

According to GBC, La Roca television, the complainants claimed that the police were affected by serious “systemic issues” that should be investigated from the UK and accused the police of continuing abuse and repression. The former president of the Police Federation, Maurice Morello, officially delivered the letter before it was published in the media. Although the parties filing the complaint have not signed it to protect their identities, the spokesperson stated that the document was drafted and endorsed by all of them personally and therefore it is a serious and reliable document.

In the letter, the signatories stated that eight of them had been arrested and five others were under investigation, but no charges had been filed. The document describes these arrests as arbitrary and intended to silence, intimidate and punish people who had reported activities deemed illegal by the force.

The whistleblower gave evidence in the McGrail case, which investigated the circumstances in which the former police commissioner retired at the start of 2020. The chairman of the inquiry said Gibraltar’s main hearing would investigate any complaints made by the Police Federation to the Police Authority, but would not deal with any allegations or complaints made against McGrail during his term as Commissioner, unless the matter was part of discussions between Governor Nick Pyle and the Gibraltar Police Authority. This may have been a driving factor in the release of the letter, which states that there has been no meaningful or independent investigation into the disclosures, including those involving high-ranking officials.

Furthermore, the complainants stated that there was a conflict of interest because the senior investigating officer, John McVea, was an RGP officer and reported directly to the Chief Commissioner.

Supporters of the letter called on the governor to carry out his constitutional responsibility to ensure the police force is in “good order and lawful”, by bringing the whistleblower’s disclosures to the UK government. Furthermore, they insisted that London should initiate the process of an independent or criminal investigation by an external body, under the supervision of the Home Office. The letter also asks for protection and support for those who have sent it, as they fear retaliation.

The governor confirmed to the GBC network that he had indeed received and read the letter. A spokesperson for his office said that while the matter is unsigned and has not been addressed, Steel will consider the issues raised before deciding on any action. RGP said it would not comment on the letter or any related ongoing criminal investigations.

Origin

In this context, four Gibraltar police officers have been removed from duty following an investigation into two historic criminal offences, according to the GBC, bringing the total number of officers under investigation to nine.

This alleged crime was uncovered in another unrelated investigation after receiving information from British police agencies.

A fifth person, a former officer, is assisting police with the investigation.