Seven arrested in money laundering investigation

Seven people from Rochdale have been arrested as part of a money laundering investigation.

Officers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigating suspected money laundering offences in excess of £200million arrested a total of 15 people in early morning raids today (Wednesday 18 May) across the North West, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

Around 250 investigators from HMRC, assisted by officers from a number of police forces, carried out over 20 property searches in Rochdale, Manchester, Bradford, Southport and Nottingham as part of the enquiry.

The arrests come as a result of a long-running HMRC investigation, codenamed Operation Enigma.

HMRC’s Deputy Director for criminal investigation Alan Lee, said: “Operation Enigma is an HMRC-led investigation targeting money laundering offences. At various stages of the investigation, we have worked closely with colleagues from Greater Manchester Police and West Yorkshire and the Humber Police.

“Further details cannot be provided at this early stage, as our investigation is continuing.

“However, our activity today sends out a clear message to those involved in this type of criminality. Attempts to launder the proceeds of crime are treated extremely seriously by HMRC, and we will relentlessly pursue any individuals or crime gangs believed to be actively involved in money laundering.”