Met officer dismissed for engaging sex workers

A Met officer has been dismissed after a panel found he engaged the services of sex workers while on trips abroad.

It comes as part of the Met’s drive to raise standards and root out officers who have no place in policing.

Detective Constable Pervaz Malik, based on the Central West Command Unit, appeared before a gross misconduct hearing to face allegations he had breached the standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct, honesty and integrity, and fitness for duty.

Between 2016 and August 2023, DC Malik - while on personal trips overseas - organised sex workers for himself and others; and bought, used, and facilitated the supply of Class A drugs.

Separately, in February 2024 he deliberately failed to provide the correct access code to his mobile phone when required to do so as part of the criminal investigation.

Detective Chief Superintendent Chrissy Jessah, who leads policing in central west London, said:

“Police play a vital role in protecting individuals who are at heightened risk of violence and exploitation, and any deviation from that duty represents a serious breach of public trust.

“DC Malik would have been fully aware that he was acting in clear violation of his obligations to safeguard the public, as well as the strict rules governing drug use. His conduct was wholly unacceptable and fell significantly short of the standards expected by the organisation and the public.”

The hearing follows a criminal investigation by the Met’s Anti-Corruption Command under the direction of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

As part of that investigation DC Malik was arrested at Stansted Airport on 15 August 2023 on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Law Act 1977. The matter was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service who took the decision to close the case with no further action.

DC Malik was suspended following his arrest and remained so until his misconduct hearing.

Following his dismissal without notice, he will now be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies, the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.