Seventeen people were arrested on Tuesday after dawn raids on 24 properties across several English counties in a major operation led by the Metropolitan Police targeting a suspected organised crime group.
Large-scale, multi-agency operation
More than 800 officers took part in the action, which was carried out following a months-long investigation by specialist Met detectives working alongside HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Searches were continuing at multiple locations and officers were expected to remain on site for several days.
The arrests follow an extended inquiry into alleged financial offending and other serious crimes. Agencies involved said the operation disrupted suspected criminal activity and targeted companies allegedly linked to the group.
“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.”
A spokesman for the FCA added: “Tackling financial crime requires the type of partnership shown by today’s joint action and the many months of close cooperation leading to it.” An HMRC spokesperson said the action underscored the importance of collaboration in tackling suspected money laundering and other criminality.
Injuries and ongoing enquiries
During the execution of a warrant at an address in Cockfosters, north London, an officer suffered a stab wound to the leg. Colleagues and paramedics treated him at the scene before he was taken to hospital; the injury was described as not life-changing.
Police have not yet confirmed the total number of locations still subject to active searches. Investigators said searches may continue for several days as they gather evidence and process premises.
Arrests and alleged offences
Those arrested are suspected of being involved at senior levels in organised crime and associated financial offences. Reported suspected offences include:
- Participation in the activities of an organised crime group
- Money laundering and false accounting
- Tax evasion
- Conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm (GBH)
The ages of a number of those detained were disclosed. Among those arrested were people aged 65, 64, 56 (two people), 49, 47 (two people), 43, 37, 31 (two people), 30 and 26. The Met has said those detained are suspected of leading or being involved at a senior level in the alleged offending.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Properties raided | 24 |
| People arrested | 17 |
| Officers involved | More than 800 |
| Agencies involved | Met Police, HMRC, FCA |
Authorities said the FCA had disrupted seven firms as part of the wider operation and was targeting a further 30 firms under investigation.
Wider implications and next steps
The scale of the raids, and the involvement of revenue and financial regulators, indicates the probe moves beyond conventional drug- or violence-led organised crime into alleged complex financial offending and use of corporate structures. HMRC and the FCA frequently work with policing partners where suspected money laundering, fraud or tax evasion form part of broader criminal enterprise.
Investigators will continue to search premises and analyse material seized, while those detained remain in custody as enquiries progress. The Met said arrests represented a significant stage in the inquiry but cautioned that the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information relevant to the inquiry has been asked to contact the Metropolitan Police or the relevant agencies assisting the operation.
