Three Men Arrested in Major UK Money Laundering Bust
A high-stakes crackdown saw a 58-year-old businessman and two others arrested in London on suspicion of money laundering and fraud. The National Crime Agency (NCA) swooped on Thursday, targeting a multimillion-pound property in a dramatic anti-corruption operation.
NCA Strikes at Kleptocracy Network
- The 58-year-old man, identity withheld, faces charges including money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the Home Office, and conspiracy to commit perjury.
- A 35-year-old employee at the businessman’s residence was caught nearby with a bag holding thousands in cash. He was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and obstructing an officer.
- The third man, 39, the ex-boyfriend of the businessman’s partner, was held at his London home for money laundering and conspiracy to defraud.
Operation Involved Dozens of Officers and Seized Cash
More than 50 officers from the NCA’s newly formed Combatting Kleptocracy Cell took part in the raid. They seized multiple digital devices and a large sum of cash as evidence.
“The NCA’s Combatting Kleptocracy Cell, only established this year, is having significant success investigating potential criminal activity by oligarchs, the professional service providers that support and enable them and those linked to the Russian regime,” said Graeme Biggar, NCA director general. “We will continue to use all the powers and tactics available to us to disrupt this threat.”
Bail and Ongoing Investigations
All three men have since been released on bail as investigations continue into the alleged fraud and money laundering network.
