Kate Whannel
Political reporter
A 46-year-old man was arrested in connection with the National Crime Agency’s (NCA) ongoing investigation into PPE Medpro, a company linked to Baroness Michelle Mone’s husband, Doug Barrowman. The NCA investigation, which began in May 2021, centers on alleged criminal activities tied to the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the Covid-19 pandemic.
PPE Medpro, recommended by Baroness Mone to ministers, secured government contracts worth over £200 million. Both Mone and Barrowman have denied any wrongdoing related to the deals. However, the company is now facing a lawsuit from the Department for Health, seeking £122 million for “breach of contract and unjust enrichment.”
The arrested man, from Barnet, north London, was taken into custody on Wednesday morning on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Baroness Mone, born in Glasgow, is known for founding the lingerie brand Ultimo. In 2015, she was appointed by the Conservative government to lead a review aimed at encouraging start-ups in economically disadvantaged areas. That same year, she was made a baroness and joined the House of Lords, where she served until taking a leave of absence in 2022.
