The last 12 months have been a traumatic and stressful time for Ali, his family and his friends

Sadiq Khan Solicitor

Iranian-born Mr Dizaei had been claiming he was discriminated against and victimised because of his race and his work for the National Black Police Association (NBPA) where he was the vice-chairman and legal adviser.

The charge of misconduct against Mr Dizaei involves allegations that he misled investigating officers following a report of criminal damage to his BMW car and "sought wrongly to blame other serving police officers for causing the criminal damage".

The charge of perverting the course of justice also relates to the incident involving his car.

The allegations of false accounting relate to expenses claims involving mileage on police business.

The prosecution follows a year-long investigation, codenamed Operation Helios by the Metropolitan Police's anti-corruption unit.

His supporters have claimed he is the victim of a racist witch-hunt.

His solicitor, Sadiq Khan, said Mr Dizaei completely rejected the charges against him.

'Ethnic cleansing'

He said more serious allegations had originally been examined by investigators but now formed no part of the charges against him.

"At long last we have confirmation that the damaging allegations made against Superintendent Dizaei were without foundation and evidence.

"It's noteworthy that the charges that have formed the basis of the summons are minor by comparison to the original allegations.

"The last 12 months have been a traumatic and stressful time for Ali, his family and his friends.

"Finally we know the criminal charges he will be facing and these will be vigorously contested."

Mr Khan said there was no reason to continue Mr Dizaei's suspension from duty and that he should be restored to his post.

The action for racial discrimination launched by Mr Dizaei has now been put aside pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings, he said.

In 1999 Mr Dizaei, who has a PhD in law, accused the police service of "ethnic cleansing" of black and Asian candidates and said testing procedures used to pick senior ranks were "culturally biased".