Police watchdog probes 2015 handling of indecent images

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is examining Hertfordshire Constabulary's actions concerning alleged indecent child images discovered in 2015. The watchdog's investigation will determine if the force's inquiry into material found on electronic devices at the time adhered to national and local guidelines regarding child sex exploitation and evidence of human trafficking.

This review forms part of a broader examination by the IOPC into how investigators managed earlier sex abuse allegations against Andrew Tate. The case had been previously closed but was reopened this year. The IOPC stated that a former detective constable might face gross misconduct proceedings due to alleged shortcomings in the investigation.

Extradition proceedings and charges

British prosecutors are currently seeking the extradition of Andrew Tate, 39, and his brother Tristan, 38, from the United States to face multiple criminal charges in the UK. These charges include rape and sex trafficking. Court documents filed in support of the extradition request allege that 168 indecent images of a child were discovered on devices belonging to Andrew Tate following his arrest at his Hitchin home in 2015. Of these, 66 were classified as the most serious category A tier. He is also accused of sharing images and a video of the child committing an indecent act via WhatsApp. Prosecutors allege Tate knew the girl, who came to the UK from abroad to work in his sex webcam business, was 17 at the time.

Andrew and Tristan Tate, who hold dual US and British citizenship, have denied all wrongdoing. They have been detained since their arrest in July.

IOPC investigation details

An IOPC spokesperson confirmed the independent investigation began after a voluntary conduct referral from Hertfordshire Constabulary in December 2023. The regulator is investigating a former detective constable for potential gross misconduct concerning alleged failures to properly investigate. Two former detective sergeants, who supervised the original inquiry, are being investigated at the level of misconduct.

A spokesperson for the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit stated that due to authorised charges and active legal proceedings, they were unable to comment further on the criminal justice process. They acknowledged that an IOPC investigation is also underway regarding the reports made to Hertfordshire Constabulary in 2015.

The brothers are scheduled to face separate extradition hearings in Miami next month. Their legal team has criticised their continued detention, with lawyer Joseph McBride stating that the constitution protects individuals from punishment before conviction and that they would contest every charge and the basis of the extradition request.