LONDON — Britain’s Metropolitan Police has opened a criminal investigation into allegations that Reform UK may have breached electoral funding laws, escalating scrutiny of the political party following an undercover investigation broadcast by Channel 4 News.

According to the BBC, the Met’s Special Enquiry Team is investigating suspected offences linked to donations and polling involving the party, with the new criminal inquiry being incorporated into an existing investigation into other donations received by Reform UK.

The police move follows an undercover operation by Channel 4 News and Verbatim Investigations which allegedly captured two senior Reform UK aides discussing ways of channeling funds from an American donor to the party.

The investigation also reportedly recorded the aides discussing arrangements for a fictitious company to finance polling on behalf of the party. The two officials were subsequently removed from their positions last week.

Confirming the police investigation, the Met said it had received “a number of reports relating to donations and polling involving a political party” following the broadcast.

The force said the allegations being investigated concerned potential offences under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, adding that detectives were working with the Electoral Commission and the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Met further disclosed that investigators were seeking to obtain footage from the Channel 4 broadcast as part of their inquiries.

Reform UK, however, has rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing, saying it would cooperate fully with the investigation but would not make further comments while the case remains active.