Met PC Akbar Arabi dismissed after uninsured BMW drive in Westminster

A Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed after driving a BMW without insurance and performing dangerous manoeuvres on a residential street in Westminster. PC Akbar Arabi was off-duty when the incident occurred in the early hours of 23 August 2025.

Officers observed the BMW being driven erratically on Conway Street, near Regent’s Park. The vehicle performed wheel spins, weaved across the road and executed a sudden U-turn before being stopped. Three passengers were inside at the time.

Admission and misconduct findings

After being stopped, PC Arabi admitted his driving was inappropriate. He told officers he had been attempting to "give [his friend] a thrill" to improve her mood, as reported by This Is Local London. An accelerated misconduct hearing was convened on 24 July 2026 to address the incident.

The hearing established that Arabi had falsely claimed he was insured to drive the BMW. Commander Katie Lilburn, who presided over the hearing, found breaches of honesty, integrity and discreditable conduct proven. She concluded that his behaviour was criminal in nature and caused high harm to public confidence in policing.

Consequences and next steps

PC Arabi was dismissed without notice following the hearing. The Metropolitan Police confirmed he has been added to the College of Policing barred list, which prevents him from working in any UK police force in the future. It is unclear whether he faces criminal charges.

Residents in Westminster can report concerns about police conduct to the Metropolitan Police Professional Standards Department. The force has not indicated whether additional measures will be introduced to address public confidence in the area.