http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/485050/Madeleine-McCann-cops-huge-bill-for-private-eyes-MPs-check-12m-inquiry
POLICE have been blasted for hiring private investigators to help in the £12.1million search for Madeleine McCann.
By Jerry Lawton / Published 4th January 2016
Up to 81 officers from G4S were recruited to assist the Operation Grange investigation even though at one stage 31 detectives were assigned to the case full-time.
The Met Police now face an MPs’ probe into the revelations, which emerged from documents obtained under Freedom of Information laws.
They show UK forces have spent nearly £170m employing investigators, analysts and other staff from G4S and private sector firm Servoca.
Home affairs select committee chairman Keith Vaz said: “Given the huge pressure on police budgets it is puzzling that such a large amount of public money is being given to private sector organisations.”
G4S is being investigated by the Serious Fraud Office over claims it overcharged the Ministry of Justice for the electronic tagging of criminals who were dead or back in jail.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said yesterday: “We can confirm we have used agencies to provide extra support on specific high profile cases, including Operation Grange, the search for Madeleine McCann.”
McCann spokesman Clarence Mitchell said the manning of the operation was entirely a matter for the Yard.
