Men arrested after fraud raids in Romford and Hornchurch

Three men were arrested last week following early morning raids at properties including in Romford and Hornchurch.

The suspects were wanted in connection with a �5.5m tax and money laundering fraud, connected to the rail industry.

John Kay, assistant director of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Custom’s (HMRC) criminal investigations unit said: “HMRC criminal investigators have uncovered a suspected multi-million pound VAT, corporation tax and money laundering fraud.

“Tax fraud is not a victimless crime - it takes money away from taxpayers and lines the pockets of criminal gangs.”

Anyone with information about activity they suspect may be linked to tax fraud should call the Customs Hotline on 0800 59 5000.

The five commercial and residential units were raided on Thursday (March 31) at addresses in Romford, Hornchurch, Grays, Ongar and Southend.