Police Scotland's Anti-Corruption Unit is investigating a deceased officer, PC Alan Greer, who is alleged to have committed multiple rapes, violent sexual assaults, and an attempted murder against at least nine women over a 14-year period.
Greer was arrested on April 24, 2026, at a property in Wishaw after a victim reported being raped in her Glasgow home in 2012 by an officer who had attended her initial call for help.
Detectives traced the assault to Greer after discovering he had made repeated, unauthorized checks on the victim's crime file on police computers following the incident.
A subsequent search of Greer's home yielded electronic devices containing thousands of graphic images, which exposed a pattern of abusing hundreds of sex workers throughout his 17-year policing career.
Investigators have identified eight additional victims, including five sex workers attacked off duty and two female officers who were photographed inappropriately during training sessions.
Greer was suspended from duty and released without charge pending further inquiries before he died by suicide at his home on May 6, 2026.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner is currently conducting a Crown-directed investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death following police contact.
Ongoing Investigation and Victim Support
Assistant Chief Constable Lynn Ratcliff confirmed the scale of the ongoing probe into the deceased officer.
"This officer has clearly abused his power and has revisited someone that he's encountered in the course of his duties," said Ratcliff, who serves as gold commander for the investigation.
Ratcliff emphasized that the original disclosure by the first victim was instrumental in uncovering the broader pattern of offending.
"But this victim was brave enough to come and speak to us, and that really was the trigger point for us starting our investigation," said Ratcliff.
She noted that the initial report enabled investigators to expand their scope significantly.
"That's allowed us to proactively identify eight further victims," said Ratcliff.
Addressing questions regarding intelligence handled in 2018 related to a violent customer's phone number, Ratcliff defended the historical response.
"I am entirely satisfied that everything that could have been reasonably done at that time was done, and that there were no missed opportunities as a result of that information," said Ratcliff.
She stressed the primary focus of the current inquiry despite the suspect's death.
"My thoughts, firstly, are with the victims in this case who have spoken up and reported these allegations, as well as with Alan Greer's family, friends and colleagues who have been deeply affected by these reports and his death," said Ratcliff.
She acknowledged the complexity of the anti-corruption operation.
"The investigation into this matter is one of the largest and most complex inquiries ever undertaken by the Anti-Corruption Unit and significant work is ongoing to fully ascertain the extent of offending and identify and support as many victims as possible," said Ratcliff.
Ratcliff reiterated the objective of providing accountability for the victims.
"Clearly Alan Greer cannot stand trial for these allegations of serious violent sexual offending, including attempted murder, but this investigation is about identifying and supporting potential victims, giving them a voice, and establishing the full circumstances," said Ratcliff.
She highlighted the necessity of maintaining public confidence in the police force.
"It is essential that members of the public, victims, and witnesses, feel confident speaking with the police and know the overwhelming majority of our officers serve with professionalism and integrity to protect people, investigate matters, and bring offenders to justice," said Ratcliff.
She urged any additional individuals affected by Greer's actions to reach out to the authorities.
"I would encourage anyone with any information or who may be a victim in this case to please come forward and speak to us," said Ratcliff.
She assured potential witnesses of appropriate support.
"You will be listened to and given the support you need," said Ratcliff.
Ratcliff referenced recent structural overhauls within Scottish policing aimed at improving accountability.
"In recent years, and advanced by Lady Elish Angiolini's review of Complaints Handling, Investigations and Misconduct Issues published in 2020, there has been a Scotland-wide focus on police ethics, conduct and scrutiny," said Ratcliff.
She concluded by reaffirming the force's ethical commitment.
"Police Scotland has fully engaged with a range of developments and our commitment to safeguarding policing's integrity has never been stronger," said Ratcliff.
Political Reaction and Public Confidence
In response to the revelations, Scottish First Minister John Swinney expressed deep concern over the officer's actions.
"It is absolutely vital there is an open, transparent and candid response taken by the police in response to this particular case," said First Minister John Swinney.
Justice Secretary Neil Gray also commented on the severity of the case and the courage shown by those who came forward.
"This is a horrific and deeply shocking case and my thoughts, first and foremost, are with the victims, who have shown enormous courage in coming forward," said Justice Secretary Neil Gray.
Gray condemned the breach of trust committed by the late officer.
"The public place their trust in the police and for any officer to abuse that trust and the office they hold is truly heinous," said Gray.
He reassured the public regarding the standard of the broader force.
"The vast majority of officers serve to protect people and keep them safe, and the public should be confident about reporting any crime involving sexual violence to the police," said Gray.
Gray noted that the response to the initial report demonstrated police willingness to investigate internal misconduct.
"As has been shown since the first victim came forward, the police will investigate such reports," said Gray.
An anonymous source close to the investigation described the case's impact on the institution to the BBC.
"It feels a bit like this could be Police Scotland's Wayne Couzens moment," said an anonymous source close to the investigation.
Police Scotland has established a dedicated helpline and email service under Operation Submarine to encourage further potential victims to contact the inquiry team.
