Police watchdog probes Met officer who 'told race-claim lawyer how to win court case against his own force'

The move was announced after we disclosed that Commander Ali Dizaei had advised race row solicitor Dr Shahrokh 'Sean' Mireskandari on how to undermine a prosecution being brought by his employers, the Metropolitan Police.

The misconduct probe will examine our exclusive revelations that Dizaei was used as a consultant to point out flaws in a death by dangerous driving case being defended by Mireskandari's West End law firm, Dean and Dean.

Commander Ali Dizaei (left) had advised race row solicitor Dr Shahrokh 'Sean' Mireskandari (right) on how to undermine a Met Police prosecution

Last night there was widespread astonishment at Scotland Yard that Dizaei, who has had a chequered history at the Yard, had not been suspended immediately.

A number of officers accused the Metropolitan Police Authority, which could have stripped him of his warrant card, of pandering to political correctness because of Dizaei's outspoken allegations of racism in the force.

One senior officer remarked: 'I think the police authority has bottled it because of Dizaei's colour and history. They're worried he'll slam in another compensation claim if he were stripped of his duties.'

Headlines: How the Mail reported its exclusive revelations this week

The inquiry has been launched just six months after Dizaei was controversially promoted to a commander on a salary of £90,000.

Earlier this summer a separate inquiry was launched into his conduct after it emerged he had spent nearly £5,000 on his force credit card on clothes, shoes and perfume while on a trip to the United States. He denies wrongdoing.

Mireskandari is the lawyer representing Met Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur in his race claim against Scotland Yard

Cleared of corruption charges in 2003, he is a hugely controversial figure in the Met because of his arrogant manner and militant claims about racism in the force.

He was reinstated and awarded £80,000 compensation after suing for racial discrimination over the multi-million pound inquiry into his conduct.

Now his behaviour is to be investigated yet again, this time by the deputy head of West Midlands Police, Phil Gormley.

The Metropolitan Police Authority-which oversees the running of Britain's biggest force, confirmed an investigation had been launched.

'Commander Dizaei is currently being investigated by the MPA for a matter of alleged misconduct,' a spokesman said.

'A deputy chief constable from another force has been appointed as investigating officer.

'The MPA has a statutory duty to investigate all allegations of misconduct and takes this responsibility very seriously.'

Dizaei's close friend Mireskandari, exposed earlier this week as a convicted fraudster with a suspect law degree, is the lawyer representing Met Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur in his £1.2million race claim against Scotland Yard.

As president of the National Black Police Association, Dizaei has played a key behind-thescenes role as Mr Ghaffur prepares to bring his case.

Earlier this week Mr Ghaffur was effectively suspended by Met chief Sir Ian Blair, after staging a live TV press conference to outline his discrimination claims against the force.