A Metropolitan Police officer has become the first person to face criminal charges following a sweeping investigation into systemic misconduct at London’s Charing Cross police station.
Sgt Sadiq Al-Hasani, 37, has been charged with perverting the course of justice. The charge follows a high-profile BBC Panorama investigation, titled “Undercover in the Police,” which exposed a toxic culture of racism, bullying, and institutional violence within the unit. Al-Hasani is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court this Wednesday to answer to the allegations.
The charge against Al-Hasani, who was attached to the force’s Central West Command Unit, centers on his alleged efforts to interfere with a wider inquiry being conducted by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). According to the Met Police, Al-Hasani is accused of deliberately attempting to discourage a junior officer from providing a statement to the watchdog. The IOPC alleges that the sergeant approached the junior staff member—who was considered a key witness—specifically to obstruct or interfere with the probe.
The legal action stems from an incident on October 2, 2025, just one day after the Panorama episode aired. The broadcast featured an undercover reporter working within the Charing Cross custody suite, where they secretly captured footage of officers boasting about the use of excessive force against detainees and making derogatory, racist remarks. Following the broadcast, the Metropolitan Police made a mandatory conduct referral to the IOPC, which subsequently launched a large-scale investigation that included a review of extensive, unaired footage gathered by the BBC.
While the IOPC concluded its primary investigation into the unit in June, the legal fallout continues to mount. The watchdog revealed that, to date, 15 officers have been found to have committed gross misconduct. Of that group, 14 have been barred from serving in the police force, while a former PC remains under scrutiny. The IOPC further confirmed that investigations remain ongoing regarding the conduct of an additional 14 officers and police staff members.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Sgt Al-Hasani remains suspended from duty while the criminal proceedings against him take place.
The developments represent a significant milestone for the IOPC, which has faced immense public pressure to hold officers accountable in the wake of the Panorama revelations. The case has sent shockwaves through the force, highlighting the severe consequences for those who attempt to stifle internal inquiries. As the court proceedings begin, the Metropolitan Police faces continued scrutiny over its ability to root out internal corruption and restore public trust in the wake of one of its most damaging scandals in recent years.
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