LONDON, March 29 (UPI) -- Britain's Scotland Yard may look deeper into the so-called peerage-for-loans scandal relating to alleged secret loans to the ruling Labor Party.
John Yates, deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, told Parliament members the investigation could widen and that he would not rule out criminal charges, reports the Telegraph.
The investigation relates to the 1925 Honors (Prevention of Abuses) Act, which bans the sale of peerages and other honors.
Yates said the investigation could be extended to include allegation of corruption. These allegations say some businessmen, who donated to the party, received favorable treatment in contract awards and approval of deals, the report said.
Prime Minister Tony Blair has denied any impropriety.
