Undercover officer deceived women with ‘grotesque and cruel’ lies

Published: 08 March 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

An undercover police officer has admitted telling “grotesque and cruel” lies while emotionally manipulating two women during his deployment, the public spycops inquiry heard. Carlo Soracchi infiltrated leftwing and anti-fascist groups between 2000 and 2006, deceiving women into long-term sexual relationships while concealing his true identity as an undercover officer. The inquiry revealed that he fabricated stories about his family and personal history, falsely claiming that his father had died and that his sister had suffered abuse, all to gain empathy and maintain control over one of his victims, Donna McLean.

During the inquiry, it emerged that Soracchi asked McLean to marry him and told her he wanted to have a child with her, even though he was secretly married and had a child of his own. Friends and family reportedly believed that the engagement and wedding plans were real, and McLean herself made detailed arrangements, including seating plans and menu choices, based on the false proposals. Soracchi admitted to lying about his personal life to manipulate McLean’s emotions and maintain the relationship, acknowledging that his behaviour was “grotesque and calculating.”

The inquiry also explored the misuse of taxpayer funds by Soracchi, who submitted £477 for a trip to Italy, claiming it was part of official police duties. He admitted the expense was actually used to celebrate Valentine’s Day with McLean, while claiming the visit was related to meeting Italian socialists as part of his undercover operation. Soracchi admitted misleading his managers, describing the expenditure as purely personal, and justified his actions as part of the undercover role. The inquiry highlighted how the officer’s conduct blurred the lines between official duties and personal manipulation, raising questions about accountability and oversight within the police force.

McLean told the inquiry that she felt emotionally exploited and betrayed, describing the experience as cruel, unnecessary, and inhumane. She said that Soracchi’s lies had a deep and ongoing impact on her life, causing lasting trauma. Soracchi acknowledged that his actions were designed to solicit empathy and admitted that he deliberately used the woman’s previous experiences of abuse to manipulate her. The inquiry noted that the emotional harm caused by undercover officers could have long-term consequences for victims, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in covert operations.

Soracchi also deceived a second woman, known as Lindsey, into a year-long relationship. Evidence showed that he used taxpayer money to pay for a romantic trip to Venice in 2001. The inquiry explored the extent to which undercover officers were able to exploit their position of authority and access to public resources for personal gain, noting that the systematic deception of women under official cover was both unethical and deeply harmful. Both cases have prompted a wider examination of the moral and legal obligations of police officers engaged in covert operations.

The inquiry revealed additional discrepancies regarding rent payments. Soracchi reportedly paid £685 per month for a flat in Maida Vale, London, while the actual cost was only £320. He gave a portion to McLean, yet the inquiry heard claims that he might have profited from the arrangement. Soracchi denied any financial wrongdoing but admitted that the complexity of expenses and claims made during undercover operations could be easily misused, highlighting weaknesses in monitoring and financial oversight within the police.

The public inquiry is examining the conduct of approximately 139 undercover officers who infiltrated political groups over more than four decades. The investigation focuses not only on the personal impact on victims but also on systemic failings in police procedures, accountability, and supervision of covert operations. Witness testimony illustrated a pattern of manipulation, deceit, and emotional abuse, raising concerns about how officers were trained and monitored during undercover deployments.

Former colleagues and supervisors testified that Soracchi’s behaviour, while unethical, was not entirely unusual in undercover work. Officers were often expected to build relationships to maintain cover, but the inquiry questioned where the boundaries of acceptable conduct should lie. Legal experts highlighted that consent obtained under false pretenses is inherently compromised, and the relationships formed under such deception can never be fully voluntary.

The inquiry also heard from survivors and campaigners advocating for stronger protections and accountability measures for those affected by undercover operations. Victims described feeling powerless and unable to seek justice while officers continued to operate with minimal oversight. The inquiry is expected to make recommendations aimed at preventing future abuses and ensuring transparency and ethical responsibility in undercover policing.

Soracchi admitted to deceiving his managers and manipulating two women over several years, acknowledging that his actions were cruel, manipulative, and had long-lasting consequences. The inquiry continues to explore the full scale of harm caused by undercover operations, including psychological and financial impacts. Testimonies have emphasized the need for reforms in police procedures and oversight mechanisms to prevent similar abuses from recurring.

The investigation underscores the complex ethical dilemmas inherent in undercover policing, where officers must balance operational objectives with personal integrity. Experts have called for clear guidance, enhanced monitoring, and stricter accountability measures to protect both officers and civilians from exploitation. The inquiry will likely influence future policies regarding undercover work, potentially redefining the boundaries of acceptable behaviour in covert operations.

As the inquiry progresses, the experiences of McLean, Lindsey, and other victims continue to shed light on the personal cost of undercover deception. Advocates have urged the police to implement reforms and provide compensation and support for victims affected by manipulative practices. The inquiry’s findings are expected to shape public debate about ethics, accountability, and human rights in law enforcement, ensuring that future operations prioritize both justice and the protection of individuals.