Met Police call handler charged following anti-corruption investigation

Charges confirmed by watchdog

A Metropolitan Police call handler has been charged with offences relating to money laundering and an allegation of attempting to import a Class A drug, the Independent Office for Police Conduct has confirmed.

Donna'ree Bennett was due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 7 October 2026. The IOPC announcement, published the previous day, identified two charges concerning money laundering as well as the importation allegation.

How the inquiry developed

According to the watchdog, the Metropolitan Police's Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command carried out the investigation under the IOPC's direction and control. That process began in January 2024. The investigation concluded in March 2026, after which a file was sent to the Crown Prosecution Service.

The CPS subsequently authorised charges. The announcement does not amount to a finding that the accused committed the alleged offences, and it does not establish that other police staff were involved.

Why independent oversight matters

The IOPC can direct investigations into serious complaints and alleged misconduct involving police personnel. The fact that an inquiry is directed by the watchdog distinguishes its oversight arrangements from an ordinary internal review, although it does not predict the eventual court outcome.

Police call handlers routinely work in positions of public trust, and criminal allegations involving police employees are a matter of legitimate public interest. Reporting must still separate a person's employment role, the charges filed and any future verdict.

Proceedings remain subject to the courts

The IOPC statement specified the court date but did not provide a plea or outcome from the scheduled hearing. Keep Updated UK is therefore not reporting an appearance, plea, bail decision or conviction without separate confirmation.

Further developments should be taken from court records, the CPS or updated IOPC and police releases. Until a court reaches a decision, the defendant must be treated as innocent of the charges.