The chief executive of the Police Federation of England and Wales, Mukund Krishna, has been arrested on suspicion of corruption as part of a criminal investigation into alleged financial misconduct within the organisation. The arrest was carried out by officers from the City of London Police Domestic Corruption Unit, which is leading the investigation into suspected fraud and abuse of position involving individuals connected to the federation.
Mukund Krishna, 46, was detained at his home in Surrey during coordinated operations that also involved searches at several locations, including the Police Federation’s headquarters in Leatherhead, Surrey. Two other individuals were also arrested in connection with the case. Authorities said the suspects include a 51 year old man from Wales and a 55 year old man from Bristol. The arrests followed a year long investigation conducted under an operation led by the City of London Police.
Investigators say the case centers on allegations of fraud by abuse of position within the Police Federation of England and Wales. Detective Superintendent James Halkett of the City of London Police confirmed that the domestic corruption unit is pursuing all possible lines of enquiry and described the case as complex and ongoing. He also encouraged anyone with relevant information about the allegations to contact investigators.
The Police Federation of England and Wales is the staff association that represents around 145000 rank and file police officers across England and Wales. Although it operates in a similar role to a trade union, it is not formally classified as one under UK law. The organisation advocates for police officers’ welfare, working conditions and professional interests, particularly for constables, sergeants, inspectors and chief inspectors.
Krishna became chief executive of the federation in 2024 after previously serving in a senior operational role within the organisation. He was the first civilian to hold the position and had been associated with internal reform efforts aimed at improving transparency and strengthening support systems for officers who report misconduct. In recent years he also helped address financial challenges within the federation, including efforts to reduce major liabilities that had previously threatened the organisation’s stability.
Despite those reform initiatives, Krishna had also faced criticism and controversy during his tenure. His annual remuneration package, reported to be more than £700000 including salary and bonuses, attracted scrutiny because it exceeded the pay of several senior public officials in the United Kingdom. In addition, a High Court ruling earlier found that his suspension of two elected federation officials over public comments had been unlawful, citing concerns about freedom of expression protections.
Following the arrests, the Police Federation confirmed that it is aware that individuals connected with the organisation are under investigation and said it is cooperating fully with authorities. The federation stated that because the matter is an active legal case, it would not comment further at this stage. The organisation also said its work representing officers across England and Wales would continue while the investigation proceeds.
Authorities have not yet announced formal charges, and the suspects remain under investigation. The case has drawn attention across policing circles in the United Kingdom because of the federation’s prominent role in representing officers nationwide and its influence on policing policy and welfare issues. Investigators say further updates will be provided as the inquiry develops.
