Chief Constable Commissioner for the Metropolis (Metropolitan Police Service)

The complainant has requested information about an alleged investigation into the former first lady of Syria, from the Metropolitan Police Service (the “MPS”). The MPS would neither confirm nor deny (“NCND”) holding any information, citing sections 23(5) (Information supplied by, or relating to, bodies dealing with security matters), 24(2) (National security), 30(3) (Criminal investigations), 31(3) (Law enforcement) and 40(5B) (Personal information) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the MPS was entitled to rely on section 40(5B)(a)(i) of FOIA to NCND whether any information is held. No steps are required.