Misconduct Allegations Against Iranian Policeman Kept Secret
Home Office Minister, Charles Clarke, told MPs, Thursday that 14 warrants had also been issued, and 13 executed to search Dizaie's home and office at Kensington Police Station in west London.
Papers, computer and discs were seized, but "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," he said.
The Iranian-born superintendent, who is one of Britain's most senior ethnic minority police officers, maintained a high profile on race relations issues before his sudden suspension from duty in January that was said to have followed an undercover operation.
At a black police conference in November 1999, he complained that test procedures for senior ranks were "culturally biased". Most recently, he criticized Home Secretary, Jack Straw's decision last December to reinstate a constable, suspended for a racist remark.
In a series of written answers to Parliament, the Home Office minister said that although Dizaie had not been arrested, criminal allegations against him include "attempting to pervert the course of justice, deception, pecuniary advantage and fraud."
But when questioned what was the most serious and least serious discipline matter Dizaie had been warned about, he said that this was being kept confidential.
"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," Clarke said.
In an interview with the British media, Dizaie's wife has claimed that her husband was a victim of racism, saying that she had been "expecting something like this to happen, because of the color of his skin and because he had done so well." (IRNA)