Dr. Ali Dizaei (Hansard, 8 March 2001)

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the(a) most serious and (b) least serious discipline matter is for which Dr. Ali Dizaei has been warned of action. [152387]

§ Mr. Charles Clarke
The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis considers that it could potentially be prejudicial to reveal in this, or in any other case, the details of alleged misconduct before any decision has been taken to institute disciplinary proceedings.
Superintendent Dizaei himself has been informed of the nature of the allegations against him.

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in relation to the investigation of Dr. Ali Dizaei, how many of those interviewed are(a) white and (b) non-white. [152393]

§ Mr. Charles Clarke
The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that a total of 185 persons have been interviewed and statements taken:(a) 144 were white and (b) 41 were non-white.

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the requirements of suspicion are for a section 8 warrant; [152392]
(2) which papers of Dr. Ali Dizaei relating to his position as legal adviser to members of the National Black Police Association in cases relating to possible unfair treatment by an employing police service have been (a) seen and (b) taken by the police; who authorised such action; and what protocols have governed the confidentiality of the documents; [152390]
(3) what warrants have been (a) applied for, (b) refused and (c) executed in relation to the investigation of Dr. Ali Dizaei, indicating the dates and the authority signing each warrant. [152391]
317W

§ Mr. Charles Clarke
In order to obtain a warrant under section 8 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 to enter and search premises, a constable must satisfy a Justice of the Peace that there are reasonable grounds for believing:

(a) that a serious arrestable offence has been committed; and

(b) that there is material on premises specified in the application which is likely to be of substantial value (whether by itself or together with other material) to the investigation of the offence; and

(c) that the material is likely to be relevant evidence; and

(d) that it does not consist of or include items subject to legal privilege, excluded material or special procedure material; and

(e) that any of the following conditions applies.

The conditions referred to in (e) above are:

(a) that it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant entry to the premises;

(b) that it is practicable to communicate with a person entitled to grant entry to the premises but it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant access to the evidence;

(c) that entry to the premises will not be granted unless a warrant is produced;

(d) that the purpose of the search may be frustrated or seriously prejudiced unless a constable arriving at the premises can secure immediate entry to them.

The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that 14 warrants were applied for. Of these, 12 were issued at Bow street magistrates court on 15 January 2001 by District Judge Mr. Workman, one was issued at Horseferry road magistrates court on 20 January 2001 by District Judge Mr. Pratt, and one was issued at Bow street magistrates court, on 8 February 2001 by District Judge Mr. Evans. No warrants were refused. 13 warrants were executed with one warrant returned to Bow street magistrates court unexecuted.
Dr. Dizaei's home address and office at Kensington police station were both searched and papers, computer and discs were seized. The offices of the Black Police Association were not searched. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that no matters subject to legal privilege or other matters relating to Dr. Dizaei's position as legal adviser to the National Black Police Association have been taken by police.

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criminal offences were alleged against Dr. Ali Dizaei; and if he has been arrested. [152394]

§ Mr. Charles Clarke
The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me Superintendent Dizaei has been served with notices outlining criminal allegations against him. These include attempting to pervert the course of justice, deception, pecuniary advantage and fraud. Superintendent Dizaei has not been arrested.

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who is responsible for the investigation into Dr. Ali Dizaei. [152395]

§ Mr. Charles Clarke
The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me that the allegations into misconduct are being investigated by Commander Hayman, Director of the Directorate of Professional Standards of the Metropolitan Police Service; and criminal allegations are being investigated by Detective318W Superintendent Norman, Head of Intelligence in the Directorate of Professional Standards of the Metropolitan Police Service.

§ Mr. Peter Bottomley
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many officers have been working on the surveillance and investigation into the case of Dr. Ali Dizaei. [152386]

§ Mr. Charles Clarke
The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis informs me eight police officers have been employed on the investigation during the year 2000. However the surveillance operation would have involved an additional 13 police officers. Since January 2001, when Superintendent Dizaei was suspended, a further 21 officers have been engaged in the investigation. It is anticipated that half those police officers will resume other investigations after Easter 2001.