Police investigating a suspected organised crime group have arrested 17 people in dawn raids at 24 properties in London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.<\/p>\n
More than 800 officers took part in the arrest operations in the early hours of Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Searches are ongoing at a number of the properties and there is expected to be a police presence for some days, the Metropolitan Police said.<\/p>\n
An officer taking part in the operation in Cockfosters, Barnet, was stabbed in the leg while carrying out a warrant – his injuries are non-life changing. <\/p>\n
The arrests were part of an investigation by the Met along with His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).<\/p>\n
The Met said the FCA has “disrupted” seven businesses and is “actively pursuing” another 30.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson said: “These arrests mark a significant point in this investigation.<\/p>\n
“Those arrested are suspected of leading or being involved at a senior level in serious and organised crime and related financial offending.”<\/p>\n
In total, 15 men aged between 26 and 65 were arrested, and two women aged 31 and 41.<\/p>\n
They are being held on suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group, money laundering, cheating the public revenue, false accounting, and conspiracy to commit GBH.<\/p>\n
A 56-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of GBH over the stabbing.<\/p>\n
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