Cars, money and drugs seized in crime group raids
NATIONAL CRIME AGENCY OFFICERS TARGET SUSPECTED MEMBERS OF ORGANISED GANG
SUSPECTED members of an organised crime group have been arrested on suspicion of flying an estimated £15.5m from the UK to Dubai hidden in suitcases.
The group – who National Crime Agency officers believe also tried to smuggle 17 migrants into the country this summer – were arrested in a series of dawn raids around London on Wednesday (November 20).
They are alleged to have been part of a well-orchestrated conspiracy to launder millions of pounds made through Class A drugs and organised immigration crime, transferring it from the UK to Dubai over the last three years.
Examinations of travel history suggest the group have transported more than £14m in 2017 and 2018 alone.
The NCA believe the cash is related to organised immigration crime and Class A drugs
A 41-year-old man alleged to be head of the network was arrested at his home in Hayes .
He and the other suspects were arrested on suspicion of money laundering and facilitating illegal immigration.
Chris Hill, NCA senior investigating officer, said:
“Cash is the lifeblood of organised crime groups and they need the services of money launderers.
“We believe that the action we and our partners have taken will have caused permanent damage to a well-established money laundering network.
“We are determined to do all we can to target illicit financial flows and hit organised criminal networks where it hurts – in the pocket.”
NCA officers recovered a quantity of cash, illegal drugs and luxury cars, including Range Rovers, Audi Q7s and BMW 5 series, during raids in Hounslow, Hayes, Uxbridge and Southall.
It follows an NCA investigation, supported by the Met Police, into cash seizures totalling more than £1.5m made by Border Force officers over the course of 2019.
Ben Russell, deputy director of the National Economic Crime Centre ) NECC), added: “The NECC was able to assist the case team in arranging forensic analysis of seized bank notes.
“We were also able to use our relationships with our international partners in the UAE to obtain evidence in relation to this case.
“The NECC has a unique role in coordinating the response to cash smuggling with other national and international law enforcement partners.
“Working together, our aim is to arrest and disrupt the criminals who carry out this type of activity. Our joined up approach within UK Law Enforcement and across the globe helps bring more people to justice.”
In all cases the cash was being transported between UK airports and ports and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)