Crime agency chief Nikki Holland struck off after misconduct hearing

A senior investigator who oversaw EncroChat and County Lines operations has been struck off after a misconduct hearing.

Nikki Holland, who was director of investigations at the National Crime Agency (NCA), was removed from her position with immediate effect after a misconduct hearing on Thursday (December 21.)

It comes after Ms Holland and a junior colleague were both suspended in March 2022 following allegations of bullying, misuse of public funds and data protection breaches.

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Following the hearing, a spokesperson for the NCA confirmed that allegations relating to 'serious information security breaches' had been upheld against Ms Holland.

"Following a hearing that concluded this evening, former Director of Investigations Nikki Holland has been found to have committed gross misconduct," the statement said.

“The allegations which have been upheld against her related to serious information security breaches. As a result of the panel’s findings she has been dismissed from her position with immediate effect.

“While the panel did not find any malign intent in the breaches, the NCA expects the highest standards of conduct from all of our officers. Where those standards are not met appropriate action will be taken."