The Ministry of Defence's new unit for investigating the most serious offences within the armed forces faces significant shortfalls that could leave victims without proper support, according to a leaked internal review obtained by the BBC.
Independent unit created in 2022 under scrutiny
The Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) was established in 2022 to handle the investigation of the gravest offences, including rape and sexual assault, outside the military chain of command. An internal review, carried out between Aug. 21, 2025 and Nov. 12, 2025 and overseen by a former senior civilian police officer, flagged weaknesses that, the report warned, put victims at risk.
Among the review's conclusions was that, if assessed against standards applied to civilian police services, there would be:
- a significant risk of the DSCC being graded as inadequate;
- evidence of ineffective investigations marked by delays and inconsistencies;
- gaps in victim support and safeguarding;
- insufficient resources and workforce instability.
"a significant risk of (it) being graded as inadequate"
The leaked review criticised the command's investigative processes as being hindered by "excessive reporting requirements, unclear guidance and inconsistencies." It warned that without further reform the problems could lead to an "erosion of trust" in the military justice system.
Ministry response and steps taken
The MoD said it had accepted the review's findings and that the DSCC had undertaken substantial work in response. The ministry's statement, as reported by the BBC, listed measures claimed to have been introduced since the review, including:
- additional investment in victim and witness support;
- strengthened governance and safeguarding arrangements;
- accreditation of investigators to nationally recognised policing standards.
The MoD characterised the review as a commissioned exercise meant "to provide honest challenge, identify areas of improvement and to help ensure the highest standards for victims and witnesses." It emphasised the DSCC's commitment to transparency, continuous improvement and ensuring that victims receive appropriate support and service.
Persistent concerns and potential consequences
The leaked document underscores several systemic concerns that go beyond isolated administration errors. It highlights how procedural burdens, vague guidance and variable practice can combine to delay or weaken enquiries into serious criminal allegations. For victims of sexual violence and other grave offences, such shortcomings can influence whether allegations are properly investigated and whether those harmed receive timely support.
The review also raises workforce and resourcing issues. A unit tasked with handling complex and sensitive investigations depends on stable personnel, clear processes and sufficient capacity; instability in any of these areas risks undermining case quality.
| Review element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Review period | 21 Aug. 2025 – 12 Nov. 2025 |
| Oversight | Former senior civilian police officer |
| Key risks noted | Investigative delays, inconsistencies, victim support gaps, resource instability |
Families of victims and campaigners who have long criticised military handling of serious offences are likely to view the review as confirmation that reforms to date are insufficient. The leaked material also puts political and senior defence leaders under renewed pressure to demonstrate that independent military investigations meet the same standards of fairness and effectiveness expected of civilian police services.
The MoD’s stated steps — including accreditation of investigators and stepped-up victim support — aim to address some of the highlighted problems. But the review's warning that the DSCC could be rated inadequate under civilian inspection frameworks indicates more work is required to bring standards into alignment.
How the MoD follows through on the review's recommendations, whether further independent scrutiny will be allowed, and whether the changes will restore confidence among victims remain central questions for oversight bodies, service personnel and the public.
The leaked assessment, and the limited public details released by the MoD in response, suggest a pivotal moment for military justice: efforts to create an independent investigatory capability are under test, and the outcome will shape trust in how the armed forces respond to the most serious crimes.
