Scotland’s new police chief was previously responsible for a division of the Met which included a controversial squad of undercover officers.
Police Scotland has confirmed that Chief Constable Phil Gormley was the Metropolitan Police Service commander who was responsible for the Special Branch in 2006.
It included the Special Defence Squad, an undercover unit which existed up until 2008.
Some of its officers entered into long-term sexual relationships with women after going undercover in order to infiltrate protest groups.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “We can confirm that Mr Gormley was the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) commander responsible for Special Branch in the MPS during 2006.”
Earlier this month, Mr Gormley was sworn in as the new chief constable of Police Scotland after it had been announced in December he would take over the job from Sir Stephen House.
Scotland Yard last year apologised to and agreed substantial pay-outs for several women who had entered into “abusive, deceitful and manipulative” relationships with undercover officers.
Home Secretary Theresa May has also announced an inquiry into undercover policing – though calls for this to be extended to Scotland have so far been unsuccessful.
The Police Scotland spokesman said further enquiries on the issue were a matter for the Metropolitan Police Service “who are preparing to support the Pitchford Inquiry, which of course Mr Gormley will co-operate with in every way possible”.