Luftur Rahman won Tower Hamlets Mayoral election on May 22. Photo: Andy Goddard
Two men have been arrested in connection with investigations of electoral fraud in the borough of Tower Hamlets, following the elections on May 22.
The Metropolitan Police have received a total of 84 complaints regarding electoral malpractice in the Borough, with a spokesperson stating that “following a thorough assessment of all complaints, it has been determined that in the majority of cases there is no evidence that any criminal offences have been committed.”
There are currently eight investigations ongoing in relation to the elections in the borough, including one allegation of failing to put a correct imprint on election literature, one of making a false statement of a candidate, four of false declarations on nomination papers, and two relating to postal voting.
A 24-year-old man was arrested this Wednesday in Tower Hamlets, on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud in relation to postal vote applications.
He was taken into custody and later released on bail until a date in July, pending further inquiries.
The news follows after an arrest last month, where a 38-year-old man was taken into custody in Tower Hamlets under suspicion of potential false declarations on nomination forms.
He was also subsequently released on bail until a date in late June, also pending further inquiries.
Tower Hamlets council said it “welcomed the thoroughness of the police investigation”.
John Williams, the returning officer at Tower Hamlets Council, said: “We note that whilst 84 complaints have been referred to the police only eight of the complaints merit an investigation as in the majority of cases there is no evidence that any criminal offences have been committed.”
The Metropolitan Police further stated in their report that: “There was a strong police presence on polling day with an officer posted to each polling station in the borough.
“All allegations are being assessed by a dedicated team of seven specialist officers experienced in investigating allegations of this nature. They continue to work closely with the electoral commission and would encourage anyone who wishes to report an offence to contact their local police or call 101.”
