Former NCA officer charged with misconduct in public office over alleged meetings with escorts

A FORMER National Crime Agency (NCA) officer has been charged with two counts of misconduct in public office amid allegations he was in contact with and met with escort workers while on duty.

Simon Gaffney, 53, a former NCA operational officer based in Warrington, Cheshire, is alleged to have been in contact and met with them in October 2018.

He is due to make his first appearance in Warrington Magistrates' Court on Thursday, November 18.

It follows an investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC).

The NCA is the specialist national police unit charged with investigating serious and organised crime and has been compared to the FBI in the US.

An IOPC spokesman said: "Following their own inquiries, the NCA made a referral to us in March 2019.

"Upon completion of our independent investigation in February 2020, we passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service which authorised the charges."

Nikki Holland, NCA Director of Investigations, said: “The alleged misconduct was initially investigated by the NCA’s Anti-Corruption Unit, and then referred to the IOPC.

“The charges relate to incidents in October 2018, at which time the individual, Simon Gaffney, was an operations officer with the NCA.

“Mr Gaffney resigned from the NCA during the investigation, leaving the Agency in May 2019.

“The NCA expects the highest standards of conduct and integrity from its officers.

“We know that more than ever it is vital that law enforcement is able to reassure the public regarding our personnel security processes, and the NCA is keeping these under regular review to ensure they are robust and resilient.”