Police Federation Leadership Arrested in Fraud Investigation
City of London Police corruption unit detains national board members following multi-regional raids into financial irregularities

Image: Matt Weston / AI

Callum Smith
The City of London Police corruption unit arrested the head of the Police Federation of England and Wales and two national board members on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position.
Investigators established a Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) under the designation Operation Ku-at to manage the influx of data. This digital hub serves as the primary intake for evidence related to suspected fraud linked to the Federation’s internal operations.
Mukund Krishna, the Police Federation boss, sits among those detained in connection with the inquiry. Krishna recently faced internal pressure to resign following accusations that he attempted to stifle free speech within the organisation.
The City of London Police confirmed the suspects currently or previously occupied senior roles within the Federation’s governance structure. Authorities have not yet released the specific names of the other two board members currently in custody.
Beyond the arrests, the Police Federation of England and Wales confirmed it is co-operating fully with the relevant authorities. As the statutory staff association for officers, the body draws its funding primarily from member subscriptions on the frontline.
Historically, the Police Federation has operated as a pillar of the British policing landscape since its inception via the Police Act 1919. It emerged to prevent strike actions and ensure a formal channel for officer grievances and welfare.
This investigation marks a significant shift in the scrutiny applied to the body's national leadership. For decades, the Federation has navigated the complex boundary between a trade union and a statutory body.
Internal data indicates the Federation has saved tens of millions of pounds in liabilities through its legal and advisory work. These figures now sit in contrast with a criminal probe into the conduct of its highest-ranking officials.
The economic pressure on the organisation is substantial, as it manages millions in member dues. Rank-and-file officers pay monthly subscriptions with the expectation of legal protection and professional representation.
Stakeholders within the policing community now face a period of intense uncertainty regarding the Federation's stability. Local branches across the country rely on the national board for strategic direction and legal funding.
The City of London Police corruption unit continues to process evidence seized during the multi-regional raids. No formal charges have been filed as the suspects remain under investigation for their roles in the alleged abuse of position.
The future of the Federation’s governance model may face legislative review depending on the outcome of Operation Kuat. Any proven financial misconduct could trigger calls for independent oversight of the association’s internal accounts.
Public trust in the administrative structures of policing remains a critical metric for the Home Office. This investigation targets the very individuals tasked with upholding the standards of the profession.
The raids in Somerset and Surrey involved coordinated entries to secure digital devices and financial ledgers. Forensic accountants are expected to begin a line-by-line audit of the seized materials.
The Police Federation continues its daily operations despite the absence of its top leadership. Staff at the national headquarters remain in place to manage ongoing legal cases for members.
This case represents one of the most significant interventions into the Federation's executive floor in recent history. The scale of the multi-agency response indicates the breadth of the suspected financial discrepancies.
The City of London Police have not provided a timeline for the conclusion of the evidence processing. The suspects were interviewed at various police stations following their arrests earlier today.
The outcome of this inquiry will likely dictate the Federation's ability to lobby the government on future pay and conditions. A leadership vacuum at the national level complicates ongoing negotiations with the Home Secretary.