National Crime Agency probe steps up as man is arrested

A 46-year-old man has been arrested as part of the National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into PPE Medpro.

The suspect, from Barnet, north London, was held at his home on Wednesday morning, the NCA said.

It is carrying out an investigation into suspected criminal offences in the procurement of PPE contracts by PPE Medpro.

Baroness Michelle Mone, 52, and her husband Doug Barrowman, 59, have faced controversy over the so-called ‘VIP lane’ contracts granted to some suppliers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Baroness Michelle Mone, 52, and her husband Doug Barrowman, 59, (pictured together in 2017) have faced controversy over the so-called ‘VIP lane’ contracts granted to some suppliers during the coronavirus pandemic 

Both Lady Mone (pictured on a yacht) and her husband deny any wrongdoing 

Baroness Michelle Mone in the House of Lords

PPE Medpro, a consortium led by Mr Barrowman, was awarded Government contracts worth more than £200 million to supply personal protective equipment after Lady Mone recommended it to ministers.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has since issued breach of contract proceedings over the 2020 deal on the supply of gowns.

Both Lady Mone and Mr Barrowman deny any wrongdoing.