Police Federation Chief Executive Sacked Amidst Fraud Allegations
The head of Britain’s largest police staff association has been dismissed following his arrest on suspicion of fraud, marking a significant shake-up for the organisation representing 145,000 rank-and-file officers. Mukund Krishna, the Chief Executive of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), has had his lucrative contract, which included a salary and bonuses totalling £320,000 annually, terminated. This decision comes as a criminal investigation into allegations of fraud by abuse of position is actively underway.
Mr. Krishna, a 46-year-old prominent figure in police leadership circles, was apprehended at his Surrey home in March. The investigation has also seen the arrest of two other former senior members of the national staff association: a 51-year-old man from Wales and a 55-year-old man from Bristol, both on suspicion of the same offence.
The ongoing inquiry, being conducted by City of London Police, is scrutinising allegations of fraud related to governance and financial decision-making within the PFEW. While the investigation continues, sources indicate that an agreement has been reached with Mr. Krishna, whereby he has opted to vacate his position immediately. This arrangement means he will not serve a notice period nor receive any form of payout.
The federation officially announced the conclusion of Mr. Krishna’s employment on 31 May 2026. A spokesperson confirmed that his basic salary, excluding any bonuses, was paid up to that date, and no further payments will be made. The PFEW has stated that a process to recruit a permanent Chief Executive will commence in due course.
This development follows closely on the heels of separate accusations levelled against the former police leader. Just weeks prior, Mr. Krishna faced claims in an employment tribunal of dismissing women as ‘stupid.’
Gemma Fox is currently pursuing legal action against the federation, alleging that she was compelled to abandon a promising career as the federation’s deputy national secretary. Her claim centres on Mr. Krishna’s alleged disparaging remarks, including calling her ‘stupid’ and stating, ‘I know what women are like.’ Ms. Fox asserts that Mr. Krishna told her she was incapable of performing her job without his assistance and, in a separate instance, labelled another woman as ‘stupid and belligerent.’
Further allegations detailed in Ms. Fox’s case include being called ‘weak’ and ‘stupid,’ being the subject of jokes concerning female drivers, and facing criticism for attending virtual meetings after the birth of her daughter. The Watford Employment Tribunal is continuing to hear the case, with the federation vehemently denying all allegations. Mr. Krishna has maintained his silence on these claims and has not publicly addressed the ongoing fraud investigation.
It is understood that the fraud allegations were first brought to the attention of the police over a year ago. Some of the disclosures to detectives have reportedly originated from both current and former members of the federation.
Interestingly, shortly before his arrest, Mr. Krishna penned an article for The Guardian, advocating for increased support from the PFEW for whistleblowers.
The former management consultant had previously been recognised for his role in revitalising the federation’s financial standing. This turnaround followed a costly legal defeat that left the PFEW facing a substantial bill. The federation incurred significant financial liabilities, estimated at up to £110 million, stemming from a data breach and an employment tribunal case. Mr. Krishna is credited with successfully negotiating this figure down to £40 million.
A spokesperson for the Police Federation acknowledged the situation, stating, “We are aware that three individuals connected to the Police Federation have been arrested as part of an ongoing police investigation. This is a live matter and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage. The organisation is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.” The resolution of these matters will undoubtedly be closely watched by those within and connected to the police service across England and Wales.
