A four-part documentary series has reignited criticism of Operation Peyzac, a Metropolitan Police undercover operation in which officers set up a fake recording studio and record shop on a north London housing estate. The operation, launched in 2008 after a spate of violence including five murders, led to 37 people being jailed for gang crime, drugs and firearms offences.
The studio, called Boombox, offered aspiring musicians access to recording facilities and mentorship. However, 18 years on, opinions remain divided over the ethics of the tactics used. Human rights campaigners and some of those convicted argue the operation crossed ethical lines, while officers insist it helped prevent further bloodshed.
Several of those convicted claim they felt under pressure from officers to acquire firearms and drugs, fearing they would lose access to the studio and opportunities. Kyron, a lead contributor to the documentary, said participants described the operation as a form of grooming. “They knew about our financial issues, they knew about our family issues, the breakdown in our communities. They knew all of these things and they used that against us as a tool.”
Former officers and the Metropolitan Police reject these allegations. A Met spokesperson said: “The Met strongly rebuts allegations that those convicted as part of this operation were coerced or manipulated into criminality.” Retired DI Rob Murray, who oversaw the operation, said conventional tactics had not worked and the operation was a response to five young black men losing their lives.
Campaigners are now circulating the documentary among ministers, hoping it will prompt wider debate about undercover policing. Shami Chakrabarti, former director of Liberty, said the operation should potentially be examined by the ongoing undercover policing inquiry and called for stronger safeguards.
