Ex-MEP Nikki Sinclaire charged with money laundering and misconduct in public office
Nikki Sinclaire, one of the first openly transgender politicians to sit in the European Parliament, has been charged with money laundering and misconduct in public office after an inquiry into her expense claims.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced the former MEP had been charged with the offences by West Midlands Police.
A CPS spokesman said the offences were alleged to have been committed while she was a serving MEP for the West Midlands between October 2009 and July 2010
The 45-year-old lost her seat during May’s European elections after leaving UKIP and standing for the We Demand A Referendum Now party.
She will appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court on 17 September.
Ms Sinclaire was originally arrested on 22 February 2012 and has been on police bail since.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said three other people arrested at the time would face no further action.
Simon Orme, of the CPS, said: “The CPS has authorised West Midlands Police to charge Ms Sinclaire with the offences of money laundering and misconduct in public office.
“It is alleged that between October 2009 and July 2010, while serving as an MEP, Ms Sinclaire used funds paid into her bank account by the European Parliament in respect of false travelling expenses claims.
“Ms Sinclaire has also been charged with Misconduct in a Public Office with regard to her actions.”
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