Eight prison officers were arrested in a corruption probe at HMP Swaleside, a high-security prison located on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. The facility is known for housing dangerous criminals, including murderers.
The recent arrests follow earlier detentions last week, when seven officers were taken into custody after an initial arrest of another officer a month earlier sparked a wide-ranging investigation into corruption within the prison.
Sources familiar with the case stated, “No one knows exactly what it is connected to — but there have been lots of examples of violence and drugs there.” Swaleside has been under scrutiny due to rampant violence and smuggling operations inside the prison.
In a recent alarming incident, inmates poisoned 25 staff members with the synthetic drug spice, exposing serious security weaknesses at the facility.
The Ministry of Justice’s counter-corruption unit is leading the ongoing inquiry but has declined to provide details. A spokesperson said, “It would be inappropriate to comment on a live police investigation.” Kent Police confirmed that all arrested officers have been released on bail while investigations continue.
HMP Swaleside has long been described as “struggling,” with a December report revealing 14 inmate deaths over two years, severe staff shortages, and a heavily restricted prison regime. HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor criticised the prison, stating, “Swaleside is a prison that continues to struggle and where outcomes still need to improve dramatically.”
The prison has also experienced riots, including a notable uprising in 2016 when 60 inmates seized control of a wing.
As the investigation unfolds, the Ministry of Justice and Kent Police face increasing pressure to address corruption and improve safety for both staff and prisoners at HMP Swaleside.
Originally published by UKNIP.
