UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) today announced the appointment of Mario Theophanous as its new Head of Intelligence and Investigations. Mario joined UKAD earlier this month after the position became available following Pat Myhill’s promotion to Director of Operations in May 2015.

Mario has over 30 years of law enforcement experience having previously worked for Kent Police, the National Crime Squad and the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA). In his previous roles, Mario led covert investigations into serious organised crime groups nationally and globally, helping to combat the importation of drugs, firearms and people trafficking.

As a member of the senior management team of the National Cybercrime Unit, Mario managed and coordinated online investigations into cyber and technology enabled crime. Prior to joining UKAD, Mario was deployed to Jordan for 18 months as the Resident Twinning Advisor for a European Union funded project managed by the UK Home Office and Ministry of Justice. During his time in Jordan Mario successfully developed the capacity and capability of the Jordanian Police Cybercrime Section to operate to an international level.

UKAD’s Director of Operations, Pat Myhill said: “We are delighted to welcome Mario to UKAD. He brings with him a vast amount of experience and knowledge of leading intelligence and investigations teams and will be a real asset to the organisation. Mario’s appointment will ensure that we continue to develop our intelligence model and effectiveness through our growing relationships with local and global law enforcement partners including the National Crime Agency, Police Forces and the Border Agency.  By working closely with our partners we will continue to protect clean sport and those who compete, and win, clean.”

• This media release was originally published on the UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) internet site on 8 July 2015. To access the original, please click here.