Undercover Officer Admits 'Grotesque and Cruel' Deception in Spycops Inquiry
Carlo Soracchi, an undercover police officer, has admitted to telling grotesque and cruel lies while emotionally manipulating two women he deceived into long-term sexual relationships, as revealed at the spycops public inquiry. Soracchi confessed to exploiting the empathy of one woman, Donna McLean, by falsely claiming his sister had been abused by his father and that his father had died, when in reality, his father was alive.
Deceptive Relationships and Financial Misconduct
During his deployment from 2000 to 2006, Soracchi infiltrated leftwing and anti-fascist campaigners. He had a two-year relationship with Donna McLean, during which he proposed marriage and discussed having a baby with her, despite being already married with a child. McLean was unaware of his true identity as an undercover officer who would disappear after his mission ended.
In 2003, Soracchi flew with McLean to Bologna for a Valentine's Day trip, claiming £477 from taxpayers for the cost under the guise of meeting Italian socialists for infiltration purposes. He admitted to the inquiry that the trip was purely for pleasure, deceiving his managers about its real intent.
Emotional Exploitation and Lies
Over Christmas 2003, Soracchi lied to McLean, telling her his father had died after a stroke, and later fabricated a story about his sister suffering abuse from his father. This was described as particularly calculating and distasteful by the inquiry's chief barrister, David Barr, given McLean had confided about her own abusive father. Soracchi admitted he deliberately exploited her empathy to end the relationship, stating, We were undercover police officers, it's what we did, and accepted his behavior was grotesque.
McLean described the deception as cruel, unnecessary, inhumane, malicious and has led to a deep ongoing impact, which Soracchi acknowledged as true.
Financial Discrepancies and Further Deception
The inquiry also highlighted financial discrepancies in Soracchi's claims. He shared a flat with McLean in Maida Vale, London, for over a year, claiming £685 monthly for rent and costs, while McLean stated the total rent was £320, with his contribution up to £200. When asked if he was making a profit, Soracchi denied it.
Additionally, Soracchi deceived a second woman, known as Lindsey, into a year-long relationship and allegedly used public funds for a romantic break in Venice with her in 2001.
Broader Inquiry Context
The spycops inquiry is examining the conduct of approximately 139 undercover officers who infiltrated political groups over more than four decades, shedding light on systemic issues of deception and abuse within undercover policing operations.
