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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here