The morning case file
London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
Subject
Palantir
London Crime News has published 7 stories involving Palantir, from July 2026 to October 2026. Each one is scored for how well the original reporting stood up, and lists the reports it was written from.
- Policing · City of London
Special Constabulary Chief Fired After AI Uncovers Misconduct
James Deller, head of the Metropolitan Police's Special Constabulary, has been dismissed after Palantir's AI technology uncovered misconduct. He used his work phone to copy intimate images, and will be barred from future policing roles.
City of London3 min readTrust 70 · Craft 77 · Hype 45 - Policing · London
Met Police removes volunteer chief after phone misuse, barred from future service
Special Chief Officer James Deller lost his role heading the Met’s Special Constabulary after an accelerated hearing revealed he copied intimate WhatsApp images using his police‑issued phone. An AI‑driven Palantir investigation uncovered the conduct, and the officer will be barred from future policing.
London3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 80 · Hype 35 
Courts · City of LondonTom Watson joins US tech firm Palantir
Former Labour deputy leader Lord Tom Watson has been appointed senior vice president at US tech firm Palantir. The move has drawn criticism regarding the relationship between politics and business, particularly given Palantir's UK government contracts.
City of London3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 75 · Hype 45
Courts · LondonSadiq Khan's emails to be searched in Palantir Met AI deal dispute
Palantir is suing the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (Mopac) after it blocked a £50 million artificial intelligence deal with the Metropolitan Police. The High Court will now search Sadiq Khan's emails and texts from September 2025 to May 2026.
London3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 50
Courts · LondonHigh Court orders search of Sadiq Khan’s emails in £50m Palantir dispute
The High Court has ordered a search of Sadiq Khan’s emails and messages as part of a legal battle over MOPAC’s decision to block a £50m contract between the Met Police and Palantir. The firm claims the decision was unlawful, while MOPAC argues the Met failed to follow procurement rules.
London4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 55 · Hype 35
Courts · City of LondonBritish Museum hosted Peter Thiel for private Bayeux Tapestry viewing
The British Museum privately hosted tech billionaire Peter Thiel for a viewing of the Bayeux Tapestry on 18 August. The visit, hosted by the museum's director of development, occurred before the tapestry's public opening and raised concerns among staff about light exposure and Thiel's public associations.
City of London3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Policing · LondonMet-Palantir AI contract blocked by London policing office over procurement breach
The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (Mopac) blocked a £50m contract between the Metropolitan Police and Palantir in May 2026, citing a 'clear and serious breach' of procurement rules. Palantir is suing, alleging the decision was based on ethics rather than procedure. A High Court hearing is set for January 2027.
London5 min readTrust 55 · Craft 65 · Hype 30