A retired senior police chief has condemned the Royal Military Police's (RMP) handling of investigations into alleged war crimes by UK Special Forces in Afghanistan. Alan Pughsley, who conducted a review of two RMP operations, found them severely lacking in resources, experienced leadership, and thoroughness.
A retired senior police chief has criticized the Royal Military Police's ( RMP ) initial investigation into alleged war crimes by UK Special Forces in Afghanistan. Alan Pughsley, with 39 years of experience investigating serious and organized crime, conducted a desktop review of two RMP investigations, including Operation Northmoor, launched in March 2014.
The Independent Inquiry Relating to Afghanistan, examining claims of innocent Afghan civilians being executed by SAS squadrons between 2010 and 2013, commissioned Pughsley's review. The inquiry is investigating evidence suggesting up to 80 civilians were killed during night raids. Pughsley found the investigation lacking in several key areas. He highlighted the most senior investigating officer (SIO) lacked the experience necessary for such a significant case. He classified Operation Northmoor as a Category A investigation, the most serious type, but asserted it 'did not progress at the pace, breadth or depth that is required for a Category A investigation.' Pughsley expressed concern about the limited records kept by gold commanders, the scarcity of minutes, and the failure to interview crucial witnesses promptly. He noted that guidance from independent advisors was often disregarded, and he observed insufficient evidence of proper handovers during staff changes. Pughsley described a 'confusing landscape' where multiple external advisors offered conflicting instructions to RMP investigators. A critical delay in starting the investigation, attributed not to the RMP but to external factors, hindered the gathering of contemporaneous witness accounts. Pughsley criticized the appointment of some investigators, stating many lacked the necessary skills and experience, including an SIO who had recently completed relevant training and had never served as an SIO in any significant investigation. He suggested utilizing a Home Office police force to lead the investigation, emphasizing the importance of appointing an incredibly experienced SIO. While acknowledging the immense challenge such an investigation would pose, Pughsley maintained that a Home Office police force would have been better equipped. Operation Northmoor, described by Pughsley as 'a complex and incredibly serious investigation that was fundamentally poorly resourced,' took two years to secure premises and another two to gather all necessary resources. Pughsley expressed concern that the lack of support for investigators and senior officers would lead to a sense of disappointment and question the seriousness with which the investigation was being treated. He found that the decision to close Operation Northmoor was 'inappropriate and premature,' citing numerous outstanding lines of inquiry, including a large number of potential witnesses in Afghanistan and digital evidence. He expressed concern that major lines of inquiry were left unexplored. Operation Northmoor was launched in 2014 to investigate allegations of executions by special forces, including those of children. No charges were ever brought. Operation Cestro, the subsequent investigation, referred three soldiers to the Service Prosecuting Authority, but no prosecutions resulted. Leigh Day, a law firm representing bereaved families at the inquiry, stated that its clients have consistently maintained that Operation Northmoor was deeply flawed. Tessa Gregory, a partner at Leigh Day, noted Pughsley's identification of potential failings at nearly every stage of the investigation and particularly criticized the premature and inappropriate closure, leaving significant lines of inquiry unresolved. She called for further evidence from those involved in running and overseeing Operation Northmoor to understand how such a complex multi-homicide military police investigation could have gone so wrong. The inquiry continues
AFGHANISTAN WAR CRIMES SPECIAL FORCES POLICE INVESTIGATION RMP OPERATION NORTHMOOR UK
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