Two former Met police officers arrested in corruption inquiry

Two former Scotland Yard police officers have been arrested as part of an investigation into allegations that members of its anti-corruption unit were paid thousands of pounds in bribes. The Metropolitan police said that the men, aged 53 and 58, were arrested during raids at a business address in central London. Both have been arrested on suspicion of bribery of a police officer and remain in custody. The force's directorate of professional standards (DPS) has been investigating allegations that a firm of private detectives made the payments to police officers investigating a notorious Nigerian fraudster, James Ibori, in exchange for information. The Met said in statement: "The [Met] is investigating an allegation that illegal payments were made to police officers for information by a private investigation agency. The [DPS] referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission in October 2011, which agreed to supervise a DPS investigation into the allegations. "Officers from the [DPS] have today executed search warrants at a business address in Conduit Street, London and arrested two men. The force said both men were "ex [Met] employees", adding: "Both are at present in custody pending further enquiries. This was a pre-planned operation that forms part of a long and complex investigation by the directorate of professional standards."