Six people – including a constable and two police workers – were today charged with swindling the force out of more than £200,000 by submitting false invoices.

Pc Manjit Singh Marva and police workers David Vidgen and Adam Warwick are accused of conspiracy to defraud and misconduct in public office.

The charges were brought about after a year-long investigation into the submission of false invoices at the force’s headquarters in Birmingham.

Three civilians were also charged today with conspiracy to defraud.

All six men are due to appear at Nuneaton Magistrates Court on August 4.

West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service senior lawyer David Clark said it had been a long and detailed investigation.

He said: “I have been working very closely with the investigation team for over 12 months on this case, which involved submissions of false invoices to West Midlands Police headquarters in Lloyd Hill, Birmingham, and the dishonest processing of those invoices in order that payments could be made.

“I am now satisfied that there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction against all of the six individuals.”

Marva, aged 37, is a constable, Vidgen, aged 35, is based in the recruitment department, and 33-year-old Warwick worked in the community safety division.

Civilian Richard Millard, aged 40, was today charged with two counts of conspiracy to defraud. Surinder Singh, aged 44, and Gary Willn, aged 40, also both civilians, are both charged with conspiracy to defraud.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Catherine Preece said today: “We can confirm that six men have been charged with conspiracy to defraud West Midlands Police.” The force would not give out any more details about the investigation, including the addresses of the suspects.