Metropolitan Police Officer Charged Following BBC Panorama Investigation into Charing Cross Misconduct
Sgt Sadiq Al-Hasani, 37, is the first Metropolitan Police officer charged following a BBC Panorama investigation into alleged misconduct at Charing Cross police station. He faces a charge of perverting the course of justice related to an incident on 2 October 2025.
)
According to BBC UK, a Metropolitan Police officer has become the first individual charged as a consequence of a BBC Panorama investigation concerning alleged misconduct at the Charing Cross police station in London.
Sgt Sadiq Al-Hasani, who is 37 years old, has been charged with perverting the course of justice and is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. The Metropolitan Police stated that the charge stems from an allegation that Sgt Al-Hasani, who was assigned to the Central West Command Unit, attempted to deliberately discourage another officer from providing a statement to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Sgt Al-Hasani was charged on 13 August regarding an event that occurred on 2 October 2025. The IOPC initiated its inquiry subsequent to a mandatory conduct referral from the Met on 3 October.
As part of the BBC Panorama broadcast, a journalist conducted an undercover operation within the custody suite, secretly recording several officers making comments about racism and boasting about violence used against suspects. The IOPC stated that Sgt Al-Hasani allegedly approached a junior officer, who was a potential key witness in the broader Charing Cross investigation, with the intent to obstruct or interfere with the probe. The Met reported that Al-Hasani remains suspended from his duties.
Following the broadcast on 1 October 2025 of BBC Panorama – Undercover in the Police, the IOPC commenced its investigation. The IOPC reviewed footage collected during the program that was not aired. The IOPC concluded its investigation in June and subsequently decided to refer a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Furthermore, the IOPC has reported that 15 officers have been determined to have committed gross misconduct. All of these individuals, with the exception of one former PC, have been prohibited from continuing in policing. Investigations are ongoing into the conduct of an additional 14 officers or police staff.
)
)
)