Four people thought to be part of a crime gang arranging sham marriages between Nigerian and Dutch nationals were arrested today.

Raids were carried out on homes in Romford and Dagenham at around 6am, by police and immigration officers from the Agency’s Criminal and Financial Investigation team.

They were accompanied by Dutch detectives.

At 42-year-old man was arrested in Myrtle Road, Romford, on suspicion of conspiring to assist unlawful immigration and seeking leave to remain by deception.

A woman, 32, was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to assist unlawful immigration.

In Lillechurch Road, Dagenham, a 39-year-old man and 30-year-old woman were also arrested on suspicion of conspiring to assist unlawful immigration.

All four are Nigerians.

They are now being questioned by UK Border Agency investigators at a police station in east London.

Doug Rushworth, senior investigating officer, said: “Today’s operation is the result of an international investigation involving British and Dutch law enforcement agencies.

“Four people are now in custody, and our enquiries will continue.

“We’re committed to tackling sham marriages and we aim to identify the organisers who profit from them and destroy their criminal business.”

Anyone who has information about immigration crime can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or visit http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org.