Deutsch
English
Español
Français
Nederlands
Português
Scottish Police Officer Alan Greer Raped Multiple Women, BBC Reveals
A Scottish police officer has been accused of attacking and raping multiple women since 2012, according to a BBC investigation citing multiple police sources. The officer, identified as 47-year-old Alan Greer, died by suicide in May 2026, but the investigation into his crimes continues. Authorities have identified at least eight victims so far, with fears that more may come forward.
The case has drawn comparisons to the 2021 murder of Sarah Everard by London police officer Wayne Couzens. One source close to the investigation told the BBC: "It feels a bit like this could be the 'Wayne Couzens moment' for Scottish policing."
How the Investigation Unfolded
The 2012 Rape That Started It All
The case came to light when a woman reported to police in Glasgow in late 2025 that she had been raped by an officer in 2012. She had originally called police to report a disturbance at her home that evening. Several officers attended to take a statement. Later, one of them returned and raped her.
The woman did not know the officer's name. Police launched an investigation and traced the officers who had visited her home. One of them, Alan Greer, had accessed her case file multiple times in the weeks after the disturbance report, even during his free time. Investigators believe he was checking whether the woman had reported the rape.
Digital Trail and Pattern of Abuse
Detectives used Greer's mobile phone number as a search term in their system and discovered a 2018 complaint from a sex worker who had reported a violent client using that number. At the time, the number was not linked to Greer. This gave investigators reason to examine all of Greer's activities in the police system. They found that Greer had searched for whether a complaint had been filed regarding a specific phone number — which turned out to belong to a sex worker from Glasgow.
Investigators saw this as sufficient evidence of a pattern and obtained warrants for a home search and seizure of Greer's devices. In April 2026, Greer was arrested on suspicion of the 2012 rape. Seven phones and a laptop were seized. He was suspended from duty but released pending trial.
The examination of his phones yielded thousands of images and videos showing Greer visiting hundreds of sex workers. Police have not yet reviewed all the material but have already identified five sex workers who were seriously sexually abused. According to the BBC, the violence was so severe that Greer could have been charged with attempted murder.
Scope of the Crimes
The investigation is expected to take months. So far, in addition to the five sex workers, three other victims have been identified. Two of them are female police trainees of whom Greer made inappropriate images. The eighth victim is the woman from the 2012 rape.
When the full extent of Greer's crimes became apparent, local police, together with social workers, visited his home. The next day, Greer died by suicide.
"This officer clearly abused his power," said the lead investigator. "The findings are shocking."
Police Response and Public Appeal
Although Greer can no longer be prosecuted, Police Scotland is urging other victims to come forward. The force has set up a dedicated page for victims to report. "We want to get a full picture of the extent of Greer's crimes," a spokesperson said. "We promise to listen to victims and offer them support."
The case has raised serious questions about vetting and oversight within Police Scotland. Similar to the Wayne Couzens case in London, it highlights the dangers of police officers who abuse their positions of power. Critics are calling for an independent inquiry into how Greer was able to operate undetected for so long. The UK police accountability system is once again under scrutiny.
Impact on Policing and Public Trust
This scandal is likely to further erode public trust in law enforcement, especially in Scotland. The case also underscores the vulnerability of sex workers, who are often reluctant to report crimes due to stigma and fear of not being believed. Advocates are calling for better protection for sex workers and more robust mechanisms for reporting police misconduct.
If you are affected by any of the issues in this article, help is available. In the UK, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123. In the Netherlands, chat anonymously at 113.nl or call 0800-0113.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Alan Greer?
Alan Greer was a 47-year-old police officer in Scotland, born in Australia and moved to the UK at age six. He served as a police officer since 2009.
What did Alan Greer do?
According to the BBC, Greer attacked and raped multiple women between 2012 and 2026. He also visited hundreds of sex workers, many of whom were seriously abused. He died by suicide in May 2026.
How many victims are there?
At least eight victims have been identified so far: five sex workers, two female police trainees, and the woman from the original 2012 rape. More are expected.
Why is this case compared to Wayne Couzens?
Wayne Couzens was a London police officer who kidnapped, raped, and murdered Sarah Everard in 2021. Both cases involve police officers using their authority to commit serious sexual offenses.
Can Alan Greer still be prosecuted?
No. Greer died by suicide in May 2026, so he cannot be prosecuted. However, the investigation continues to identify all victims and understand the full scope of his crimes.
Follow Discussion