Raids on suspected organised crime see 17 arrested

Police investigating a suspected organised crime group have arrested 17 people in dawn raids at 24 properties in London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.

More than 800 officers took part in the arrest operations in the early hours of Tuesday.

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.

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.

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).

The Met said the FCA has "disrupted" seven businesses and is "actively pursuing" another 30.

A spokesperson said: "These arrests mark a significant point in this investigation.

"Those arrested are suspected of leading or being involved at a senior level in serious and organised crime and related financial offending."

In total, 15 men aged between 26 and 65 were arrested, and two women aged 31 and 41.

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.

A 56-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of GBH over the stabbing.

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