A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been jailed after brazenly stealing £80,000 from a dead man's bank account while on duty. PC Craig Keane, 36, exploited his position to commit the heartless crime in Knightsbridge before attempting to cover his tracks.
The shocking betrayal of public trust unfolded when Keane accessed the deceased victim's financial details through police systems. Southwark Crown Court heard how the officer then siphoned off large sums between April and June 2022.
Systematic Fraud Uncovered
Investigators discovered Keane had:
- Transferred £80,000 to his own accounts
- Created fake documents to justify the transactions
- Used his police email to facilitate the fraud
Detective Chief Inspector James Howarth, who led the investigation, condemned Keane's actions as "a fundamental breach of the trust placed in police officers".
Fall from Grace
The disgraced officer, previously attached to the Central West Command Unit, showed no emotion as Judge David Tomlinson sentenced him to three years imprisonment. The court heard how Keane had frittered away the stolen money on luxury goods and gambling.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated: "This officer's despicable actions disgrace the uniform. We will root out those who betray our values." The force has begun misconduct proceedings which will likely see Keane dismissed.
The case has raised serious questions about financial safeguards within the Met, with an internal review now underway to prevent similar abuses.
