£400,000 cash, luxury watches and cars seized in massive crime bust
Massive Raids Target Fraud and Cocaine Supply
More than £400,000 in cash, 41 luxury watches, two cars, designer goods, and valuable artwork were seized following 28 dawn raids on Wednesday 23 March 2022. Police targeted suspects linked to complex fraud schemes and the supply of huge quantities of cocaine.
Multiple Arrests Over Drugs and Fraud
Nine men aged 28 to 50 were arrested on suspicion of drug offences, including conspiring to supply large amounts of cocaine. Another eight people – seven men and one woman aged 29 to 53 – face fraud charges including money laundering, tax fraud, and falsely claiming Covid-19 bounce back loans. All remain in custody as investigations continue.
Raids Cover Five Counties
The raids involved Kent Police, Essex Police, Sussex Police, Suffolk Constabulary, and the Metropolitan Police. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers also played a key role in uncovering financial crime.
Serious Crime Boss Pledges Continued Action
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Pritchard, Head of Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Although we remain at the early stages of our enquiries, significant action has been taken against a group involved in highly organised, cross-border criminality.
“Our outstanding partnership with five police forces and HMRC has dealt a serious blow to this organised crime group. We will keep working in unison to ensure robust and proportionate action.”
