Police chief is suspended after probe into overseas property deals

By Jonathan Petre
Last updated at 9:19 AM on 12th December 2010

Allegations: Senior police officer Gordon Fraser

A senior police officer has been suspended from his £100,000-a-year post over allegations of fraud and gross misconduct.
Leicestershire Police’s acting deputy chief constable Gordon Fraser is being investigated over his involvement with an overseas property company.
Two unidentified officers from West Midlands Police, where Mr Fraser worked for 22 years, and a member of the public are also under investigation. The officers have been suspended.
A spokesman for Leicestershire Police Authority confirmed yesterday that Mr Fraser had been suspended from his duties on Monday. He added: ‘This follows on from
an allegation received in relation to a business interest connected to Mr Fraser. This is now an ongoing investigation and therefore further details cannot be given at this time.’
The allegations were originally referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which recommended investigation by another police force.
Merseyside police officers will now conduct the inquiry.
A spokesman for the force said: ‘Merseyside Police can confirm that Chief Constable Jon Murphy is conducting an investigation into a Leicestershire Constabulary officer, two officers from West Midlands Police and a member of the public following allegations of gross misconduct and fraud.’
Mr Fraser’s photograph and biography have been removed from Leicestershire Police’s website.

Under fire: One of Leicestershire Police's top officers is being investigated over his involvement with an overseas company

But a close friend said last night said he was prepared to fight to clear his name and get back to work. The source added: ‘He is confident he is going to be exonerated and he is still positive about the job he loves.’
Leicestershire Police Authority was due to interview candidates including Mr Fraser for the role of permanent deputy chief constable next week.
It is understood the allegations first surfaced when Mr Fraser was still serving with West Midlands Police 18 months ago.
Mr Fraser joined the Leicestershire force in June last year, and was made temporary deputy chief constable in January.
During his time at West Midlands police, Mr Fraser worked in various roles including Head of Intelligence, Head of Crime and Head of Business and Service Improvement.
He received a national award for the dismantling of serious and organised crime networks and has experience of managing covert operations.

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