More arrests made of former Leeds City Council staff as part of 'complex' bribery investigation
A total of 14 people have now been arrested on suspicion of bribery offences, misconduct in a public office and money laundering
More arrests have been made as part of a “complex” investigation into allegations of bribery at Leeds City Council.
Two men were arrested yesterday morning (Thursday) as part of the ongoing investigation by West Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit into reported bribery offences.
One of the men had previously been arrested and was rearrested on suspicion of further bribery offences, misconduct in a public office and money laundering.
The other man was also arrested on suspicion of bribery, misconduct in a public office and money laundering.
Both men, who are former members of staff at Leeds City Council, have been questioned and released under investigation.
In total, 14 people have now been arrested as part of this investigation. Of those arrested, three have been released without charge with the rest remaining under investigation as police enquiries continue.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We have been informed by West Yorkshire Police that a former member of the council’s planning staff was arrested yesterday (Thursday) as part of an inquiry into reported bribery offences.
“We have also been informed that another former member of the council’s planning staff has been re-arrested in connection with the same inquiry.
“No one currently employed by the council is being investigated as part of the inquiry.
“The public can be assured that we are absolutely committed to ensuring that all our staff adhere to the highest standards of professional and personal conduct.”
The authority has also confirmed that of the 14 arrested, three are current council staff who are no longer under investigation and a further four - including the two arrested yesterday - are former council staff. The other seven are not current or former council staff.
It was first confirmed in December 2024 that nine people had been arrested as part of a “complex investigation into corruption offences”.
This included four members of staff at the city council’s planning department.
Two more people, including a member of staff, were arrested in August last year after search warrants were carried out in Wakefield, Shipley and a business premises in Guiseley.