Casino King David

Police Set to Investigate Prescott on Corruption Charges

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is set to be interviewed by police authorities who are investigating if he has been in violation of anti-corruption laws when he stayed at the Colorado ranch of Philip Anschutz, a super casino bidder and owner of the Millennium Dome.

Prescott has been embroiled in controversy following the stay and his failure to declare it officially. Since then, Prescott has been accused of "fixing" the casino bidding process in favor of the billionaire.

Prescott is the subject of the investigation that the Metropolitan police has began, on accusations that he breached the terms of the 1903 Prevention of Corruption Act. Officers have already been assigned on the case and interviews and requests for paperwork are under way.

The latest development on Prescott comes at a bad time as he is about to take over running the country from Prime Minister Tony Blair as he goes on vacation. Blair is also facing an interview by the police.

The police have already spoken to several Labour donors and ministers, including former party chairman Ian McCartney.

Certain lawyers believe that Prescott may have violated the Act, which states that ministers should not accept hospitality from entities that have obtained or are in the process of obtaining an official contract.

Government officials including Prescott's former special adviser Alan Schofield, could also be facing corruption charges.