Hacking cops 3year £40m million

THE police probe into phone hacking and alleged corrupt payments will rumble on for THREE years — and cost at least £40million.

MPs were yesterday given the timescale — and bill — by the Scotland Yard cop in charge.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Sue Akers conceded as she revealed £9million had already been spent that questions will be asked about the “enormous amount of money”.

She told the Commons Home Affairs Committee as an army of 185 cops continues to work on three separate probes: “Post-Olympics we’re going to be in very, very tight financial times.

“Questions are going to be asked about how much longer you can let things run.”

Last night Tory MP Philip Davies said: “People in London are entitled to ask whether they want so much money spent on these inquiries rather than tackling organised crime, sex offenders and burglars.”

Ms Akers, who is to retire this year and hand over to Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stephen Kavanagh, said Operation Weeting had led to 25 arrests. Eight have been charged with phone hacking and six with perverting justice. Victims could top 4,744.

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