A subsequent investigation came to a climax the other day with the arrest and indictment of five officers for Mr. Mc Phail's death.

Last week, the Government announced the arrest of four officers who were reported to be dealing in drugs.

The arrests of four Russian military officers for spying in Georgia last month precipitated a wave of harassment against Georgians living here.

The investigations have brought about guilty pleas from two police chiefs and the arrests of nearly 20 officers.

They say the arrest of three officers on Friday on charges of assault and robbery was just the beginning of a long series of corruption revelations.

The action followed the arrest of seven officers in November on charges of planning to kill Lieutenant Rawlings.

The following year he headed the inquiry into police corruption in Soho which led to the arrests of twelve officers, including two commanders and a chief superintendent.

He was referring to the 1994 scandal that led to the arrest of more than 30 officers on charges of drug trafficking, brutality and perjury.

A new inspector general's office has led to the arrest or dismissal of more than 150 violent officers.

He said the move was unrelated to the arrests of three officers three weeks ago on graft charges.