Former Borough Commander Jailed For Corruption
Ali Dizaei given 4 year sentence for assault, false arrest and perverting course of justice
Former Borough Commander of Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham Ali Dizaei was today sentenced for four years in prison following charges of corruption.
The 47 year old was found guilty of assault, false arrest and perverting the course of justice after a dispute with a man over £600 fee for work on a website.
Speaking on behalf of the prosecution, Peter Wright QC said that Dizaei was guilty of a "wholesale abuse of power" motivated by self-interest and pride and likened the former Commander to Al Pacino's character in the film Scarface.
Dizaei was convicted of misconduct in a public office and perverting the course of justice and ordered to spend two years in prison and two years on licence.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson, said, "Commander Ali Dizaei has been a police officer for nearly 25 years. It is extremely disappointing and concerning that this very senior officer has been found guilty of abusing his position and power.
"The public expect the police to treat them fairly and honestly and we are resolved to tackle corruption at every opportunity. He has breached that trust and damaged not only his own reputation but that of the entire police service. I am proud of the officers who gave evidence in this case and supported the IPCC investigation.
"Bearing in mind his rank and disgraceful behaviour he should not be surprised at the severity of his sentence."
This was not the first time Ali Dizaei has been accused of corruption. In 2007 Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair made a public apology for a £4m corruption inquiry into the behaviour of the then Hounslow Borough Commander.
Six years earlier in 2001 the Iranian born Dizaei was suspended accused of using drugs and prostitutes, taking bribes and even of being a threat to national security.
Following a two year battle to clear his name, Dizaei was reinstated and appointed Hounslow’s Borough Commander in 2005 before his move to neighbouring Hammersmith & Fulham in May 2007.
February 8, 2010