A former police chief who oversaw security at King Charles's coronation has become embroiled in a corruption probe. Three other serving or former Met Police officers or staff could also face criminal charges over an alleged scam.

In 2024, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an inquiry amid allegations Karen Findlay falsely claimed she was on official duties when she was caught speeding while driving a Met-provided Jaguar. Investigators suspect she helped a Met Police sergeant evade red light offences in a different vehicle linked to Ms Findlay while she was also off-duty, The Sunday Times reports.

Other Met officers and backroom staff, said to include a second commander, are believed to have formed part of the inquiry after claims Ms Findlay pressured colleagues into making traffic fines "disappear".

Ms Findlay, 57, was involved in a number of high-profile policing operations, including the King's coronation and the State Funeral of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

She was named a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order in the King's New Year's Honours list in 2023 and received the King's Police Medal, the highest accolade possible in policing.

At the time of the recognition, she said leading the Met through its operations at the coronation and State Funeral would always remain the privilege of her life.

Before joining the police, the former professional rugby player captained Scotland 52 times before retiring in 2006. She coached the national team and Harlequins Ladies.

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Towards the end of her 30-plus years in policing, Ms Findlay was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable at the British Transport Police.

News of the promotion led to vile abuse from social media trolls who posted hateful comments about her. Met Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, led the widespread condemnation of the attacks.

Ms Findlay's appointment was terminated as a result of the IOPC investigation into the allegations, which stemmed from a Freedom of Information request submitted by former police officer, Oliver Laurence, Managing Director of the Public Safety Foundation.

An IOPC spokesperson said: "We have completed our investigation into allegations relating to the unauthorised use of police vehicles by Met officers and failures to follow the proper process following receipt of notices of intended prosecution (NIPs) for driving offences.

"Our investigation began in April 2024 following a conduct referral for a senior Met officer, who has since retired, and it widened to include further individuals."

The spokesperson said the IOPC decided to send a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider potential criminal charges for a former senior Met officer relating to perverting the course of justice, misconduct in public office, corrupt or improper use of police powers, forgery, fraud and computer misuse offences.

They added: "We have also decided to send a file of evidence to the CPS to consider potential criminal charges of perverting the course of justice and misconduct in public office for another former senior officer, a serving police sergeant and a former member of staff.

"Sending a file of evidence to the CPS does not mean that any criminal proceedings will necessarily follow."

A Met Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of the IOPC decision to refer a file to the CPS to consider potential charges for two former senior officers, a serving officer and a former member of police staff.

"This does not mean that any criminal proceedings will necessarily follow.

"The serving officer is subject to restrictions on their duties. The two former officers and the former member of police staff are retired from the Met."