A 46-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) criminal investigation into PPE Medpro.
This development marks a significant step in the probe into PPE Medpro, a company that secured £203 million in government contracts for PPE during the pandemic.
Arrest Details
A 46-year-old man was apprehended at his home in Barnet, North London. He is suspected of conspiracy to commit fraud and attempting to pervert the course of justice. This represents a significant twist in the ongoing investigation into PPE Medpro.
This arrest highlights the growing scrutiny on PPE Medpro. The company had secured £203 million worth of contracts for PPE during the pandemic, bypassing normal competitive tendering regulations.
NCA’s Role and Statement
The National Crime Agency (NCA) is deeply involved in this investigation. In their statement, they said: “A 46-year-old man from Barnet, London, was arrested this morning at his home address as part of an ongoing NCA investigation into suspected criminal offences committed in the procurement of PPE contracts by PPE Medpro.”
The NCA’s statement continued, “He is currently being interviewed by NCA officers.” This unfolds as part of the broader investigation into the procurement processes of PPE during the pandemic.
Involvement of Key Figures
Conservative peer Michelle Mone and her husband, Douglas Barrowman, have been under investigation. Both were previously interviewed under caution by the NCA.
Interestingly, Barrowman is not the individual arrested in this latest development.
Michelle Mone rose to public prominence through her lingerie company. She was appointed to the House of Lords by David Cameron in 2015.
PPE Medpro Contracts
PPE Medpro secured two major contracts for the supply of PPE in May and June 2020. These contracts were worth £203 million and were expedited through the government’s VIP lane.
This VIP lane was reserved for companies with political connections. Normal procurement rules were suspended due to the urgent need for medical supplies.
Financial Gains and Offshore Trusts
In November 2022, leaked HSBC documents revealed that Douglas Barrowman received at least £65 million from PPE Medpro profits. He transferred £29 million into an offshore trust benefitting Mone and her three adult children.
Barrowman confirmed his substantial profits in media interviews, stating that his children were beneficiaries of the trust.
Investigations and Searches
The NCA’s investigation into PPE Medpro began in May 2021. Search warrants were executed at the homes of Mone and Barrowman, as well as the company’s offices in London and the Isle of Man in April 2022.
Furthermore, the Lords commissioner for standards also launched an investigation into Mone’s role in procuring PPE Medpro contracts. However, this has been paused pending the NCA’s criminal investigation.
Michelle Mone Takes Leave
In December 2022, Michelle Mone took a leave of absence from the House of Lords. This was to address the allegations against her.
Despite initially denying involvement with PPE Medpro, she later admitted in a BBC interview that she had lied to the media but emphasised that it was not a criminal act.
The arrest of this individual underscores the complexities and ongoing nature of the investigations into PPE Medpro.
As the NCA continues its inquiries, the spotlight remains on the procurement processes employed during the pandemic.
