A former Greater Manchester Police staff member has been charged with fraud following an investigation into his conduct while working for the force, the police watchdog has confirmed.

Andrew King, 47, who was employed as a digital and innovation project manager, faced a charge of fraud by abuse of position at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The charge relates to an allegation that King failed to disclose an introducer agreement with a private company during his time at GMP, between December 2022 and September 2023.

The investigation was directed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and carried out by GMP’s Counter Corruption Unit. The matter was referred to the IOPC in October 2023, and after the investigation concluded in April 2024, a referral was made to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which authorised the charge.

In a statement, the IOPC said: "It follows an investigation directed by the IOPC, and carried out by GMP’s Counter Corruption Unit, into his conduct while employed as digital and innovation project manager at GMP, between December 2022 and September 2023. The charge relates to an allegation that he failed to disclose an introducer agreement with a private company while working for the force. The matter was referred to us in October 2023 on conclusion of the investigation in April 2024, we authorised a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider criminal charges."

This case highlights ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and integrity within the police force that serves Oldham and the wider Greater Manchester region.