Ten people suspected of smuggling more than £15m of dirty money from the UK to Dubai in suitcases have been arrested in a series of raids.
The alleged members of an organised crime group are accused of being part of a “well-orchestrated conspiracy” to launder millions made through drugs and people smuggling over three years, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.
Examinations of travel history suggest this crime group have transported more than £14million in 2017 and 2018 alone.
A 41-year-old man alleged to be head of the network was arrested at his home in Hayes, while five Indians, one French national and four Britons – all aged between 28 and 44 – were also held.
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.
The raids follow an NCA investigation, supported by the Met Police, into cash seizures totalling more than £1.5 million made by Border Force officers over the course of 2019.
In all cases the cash was being transported between UK airports and ports and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Via NCA
