Police raid Bluecoats property

Metropolitan Police conducted a dawn raid on a property in Bluecoats this morning as part of a co-ordinated operation against organised crime.

A total of 17 people were arrested at 24 properties in London and across the four counties of Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

In a statement, The Metropolitan Police said: "More than 800 officers took part in the arrest operations in the early hours of this morning. Searches are ongoing at a number of the properties and there is expected to be an ongoing police presence for some days.

"This morning’s arrests are the product of many months of intense investigation by specialist Met detectives working alongside His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Officers from HMRC and the FCA are supporting with the searches.

"These arrests mark a significant point in this investigation. Those arrested are suspected of leading or being involved at a senior level in serious and organised crime and related financial offending.

"We know the impact of serious and organised crime stretches well beyond those at senior levels of the organisations involved. Lines can often be drawn from the top, all the way to those involved in the criminality that blights communities, including serious violence and exploitation.

"Investigating these groups is among the most complex work the Met undertakes. It requires a significant investment of time and money and the expertise not just of specialist police officers but of colleagues from partner organisations like HMRC and the FCA.

"We hope these arrests show how determined we are to ensure organised crime groups cannot operate freely in London. We will work tirelessly to identify them, to gather evidence and to take action.”

A Financial Conduct Authority spokesperson said: "Tackling financial crime requires the type of partnership shown by today's joint action and the many months of close cooperation leading to it.

"We'll continue to work with the police and others to identify and disrupt organised crime groups who abuse our financial system to launder dirty money."

An HMRC spokesperson said: "Today's action highlights the importance of close collaboration between HMRC and other law enforcement partners in tackling serious and organised crime, including suspected money laundering and other criminal activity."

Fifteen men between the ages of 26 and 65 were arrested across the region on suspicion of a number of offences including money laundering, false accounting and participating in activities of an organised crime group.

Two women, aged 31 and 41, were arrested on suspicion of money laundering, tax evasion and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.