Undercover Officer Accused of Using Public Funds for Romantic Venice Trip
An undercover police officer is facing serious allegations that he misused public money to finance a romantic getaway in Venice with a woman he was deceiving into a long-term relationship, according to testimony presented at the ongoing spycops public inquiry. Carlo Soracchi, who infiltrated socialist and anti-fascist groups for six years, is at the center of the controversy.
Disputed Purpose of the Trip
Internal Metropolitan police documents indicate that the department authorized and paid for Soracchi's flights and accommodation under the pretense that he was traveling with UK campaigners to strengthen ties with Italian socialists. However, the woman involved, known as Lindsey, told the inquiry that the December 2001 trip was a purely personal romantic escape. She described it as a "classic romantic break in a city associated with romance," where they spent three days sightseeing, admiring architecture, and dining together, with only brief separations.
Deceptive Relationships Unveiled
Lindsey was one of three women deceived into sexual relationships by Soracchi during his undercover tenure from 2000 to 2006. Another woman, Donna McLean, was in a two-year relationship with him that included a marriage proposal, which Soracchi denies. Both Lindsey and McLean testified this week, accusing Soracchi of fabricating details about their relationships in his official accounts.
Inquiry Details and Broader Context
The spycops inquiry, led by retired judge Sir John Mitting, is investigating the deployment of undercover officers into leftwing campaign groups between 1968 and 2010. Many officers, including Soracchi, formed intimate relationships without disclosing their true identities, leading to allegations of emotional manipulation and abuse of power. Lindsey, a socialist, stated she would not have consented to the relationship had she known Soracchi was a police officer.
In a written statement, Soracchi maintained that the trip was sanctioned by the Special Demonstration Squad for political purposes, aimed at engaging with Italian activists. An official document supported this, noting the trip was for "legend enhancement" and to assess socialist connections with anarchist groups. However, Lindsey confirmed no such meetings occurred during their stay.
Supervisor Involvement and Costs
The inquiry also revealed that DS Stephen Beels, Soracchi's supervisor, traveled separately to Italy at the same time, with police covering his flights and accommodation in Verona, approximately 75 miles from Venice. The total costs of these trips have not been disclosed, raising further questions about financial accountability within the undercover operations.
Soracchi is scheduled to be questioned over four days starting next Monday, as the inquiry continues to uncover the extent of deceptive practices by undercover police officers.
