Man arrested in Bridlington in multi-million money laundering investigation

The arrest was one of nine made on Wednesday November 26 as part of a National Crime Agency investigation into an organised crime group (OCG) smuggling money out of the UK to Dubai hidden in suitcases.

The eight others were arrested at addresses in Cleckheaton, Bradford and Dewsbury.

NCA investigators believe the nine men are part of an organised crime group that smuggled millions of pounds out of UK airports last year.

Nine linked suspects were previously arrested by Border Force officers trying to smuggle money out of the UK, and a further six suspects have been arrested and questioned about their suspected roles as money-laundering facilitators and coordinators.

In total, including yesterday's arrests, there have been 24 arrests linked to this investigation. As part of the wider investigation into the OCG, £2.3m has been seized.

NCA operations manager Jon Hughes said of yesterday's arrests: “Border Force have done excellent work preventing the money leaving the UK and we have a series of lines of enquiry to pursue and are working effectively with our partners in Dubai Police.

“Organised crime groups rely on money launderers and cash is their lifeblood. We believe we have significantly disrupted an extensive crime group responsible for trying to wash drugs money.”

The National Economic Crime Centre (NECC) – which was set up to bolster the UK’s fight against economic crime - is assisting the investigation and using its unique role in coordinating the response to cash smuggling with international partners.