Met PC Akbar Arabi dismissed after driving BMW uninsured in Fitzrovia

A Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed and barred from policing after being caught driving a BMW without a valid licence, insurance or identification in Fitzrovia. PC Akbar Arabi was stopped by colleagues on Conway Street at 2 a.m. on 23 August 2025 following reports of reckless driving.

Arabi was observed performing wheel spins and an illegal U-turn with three passengers in the vehicle. When questioned, he told officers he was attempting to cheer up a friend by giving them a "thrill", as reported by MyLondon. He acknowledged his driving was wrong but offered no valid documentation.

Disciplinary hearing and dismissal

A disciplinary hearing convened on 24 July 2026, chaired by Former Commander Katie Lilburn, reviewed the incident. Lilburn’s decision stated the breach of professional standards was severe enough to warrant dismissal without notice. Arabi was also placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing him from re-entering the force.

Despite initial claims that he was insured to drive the BMW via a separate vehicle, Arabi failed to provide proof of insurance. He later presented a lease agreement, which did not cover him to drive the car he was stopped in. Officers had given him seven days to provide evidence at a police station, but he did not comply.

What happens next

Arabi’s placement on the barred list means he cannot work in policing in England and Wales. The Metropolitan Police has not confirmed whether further legal action will be taken regarding the driving offences. No criminal charges related to the incident have been publicly disclosed.