NORTH LONDON — Operation Peyzac, a Metropolitan Police undercover operation, led to the jailing of 37 individuals after an investigation into gang-related violence in north London. The Metropolitan Police launched the operation in 2008 following a series of violent incidents, including five murders in the area.

Undercover officers established a fake recording studio and record shop named Boombox on a north London housing estate. Officers posed as music industry professionals to collect intelligence on gang activity, firearms, and drug offenses. The studio also provided recording facilities and mentorship to local aspiring musicians.

Several individuals convicted through the operation stated they felt pressured by officers to procure firearms and drugs. These individuals reported fearing they would lose access to the studio and industry mentorship if they refused officer requests.

Defense attorneys filed an abuse of process motion, arguing the operation constituted entrapment. However, a judge ruled against the defense's entrapment claim, allowing the prosecutions to proceed. Following this judicial ruling, multiple defendants entered guilty pleas.

Former Liberty director Shami Chakrabarti said: "I do believe that the undercover officers in Operation Peyzac crossed a number of lines and groomed, enticed, incited and at times even coerced at least some of the young men and boys they were ‘investigating’." She recommended that the operation be reviewed by the ongoing undercover policing inquiry. Neil Woods, a former undercover officer, said: "So the line is quite clear and, in my view, this operation absolutely stepped over this line in a really sinister way."

Former detective inspector Rob Murray said: "The stark reality was five young black men lost their lives, and in addition to that other men had been injured and stabbed and conventional tactics unfortunately hadn’t worked." Undercover police officer Fish said: "I was so proud of the job that we did because it was probably the hardest job I’d ever done."