Former Police Scotland officer jailed for data protection and fraud offences

A former Police Scotland officer has today, Tuesday,14 October 2025, been sentenced to two years in prison at Falkirk Sheriff Court.

Steven Charletta, 60, was found guilty of data protection and fraud offences, as well as attempting to pervert the court of justice on Thursday, 7 August 2025 at the same court.

He accessed police records without a legitimate policing purpose and obtained and disclosed personal information.

Two women, aged 29 and 25, were also arrested and charged in connection with extortion and data protection offences.

Charletta resigned from Police Scotland in September 2025.

Chief Superintendent Helen Harrison said: “Steven Charletta abused his position as a police officer to access police systems to obtain and provide information that he had no right to.

“I’d like to again commend the cooperation and strength of the witnesses who have been involved throughout this case.

“Trust and confidence in police officers and staff is essential and people like Steven Charletta have no place in Police Scotland. Any officer or staff member who fails to uphold the high standards we expect in policing will face the consequences.

"We will always investigate complaints against police officers and staff who do not uphold our values and standards."