Leaked Review Warns Military Crime Unit Risks Failing Victims as Cases Rose 16%

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 12

A leaked internal review found the Defence Serious Crime Command could face an “inadequate” rating under civilian-style scrutiny, despite being created to investigate rape and other serious offences outside the chain of command.
The 2025 review cited delayed and inconsistent investigations, gaps in victim support, excessive reporting requirements, unclear guidance and weak leadership in rape and serious sexual offence cases.
A 16% rise in serious-crime investigations between 2023 and 2024, along with staffing gaps, low morale and workforce instability, was said to be limiting the unit’s ability to respond effectively.
Victims still face barriers including fear of not being believed, career damage concerns and mistrust of military policing; in one case, the DSCC missed a charging deadline after citing a high caseload.
The command was launched after Gunner Jaysley Beck’s death exposed systemic failings, and the MoD said it accepted the findings and has since invested in victim support, governance and investigator accreditation.