Iranian man arrested in Yorkshire in connection with money laundering at mini-markets
An Iranian man has been arrested in Yorkshire in connection with money laundering offences thought to be linked to mini markets.
The 25-year-old Iranian national was arrested by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the Nesfield Street area of Bradford on Thursday (Aug 4).
He was arrested in relation to alleged involvement in the laundering of criminal money overseas through a suspected unregistered money service business.
A statement from the NCA said he is suspected of operating mini-markets as a front for the money laundering, using the hawala system to transfer value abroad.
Two other properties, both mini-markets, in Bradford were also searched by officers from the NCA, supported by West Yorkshire Police.
Officers seized several thousand pounds in cash, an imitation firearm and thousands of what are believed to be counterfeit cigarettes.
The 25-year-old was questioned before being bailed pending further enquiries.
NCA Senior Manager, Phil Pestridge, said: “Money is the lifeblood of organised crime, which is why targeting those involved in laundering criminal proceeds is so vital.
“Our investigation will continue with evidence we have seized.”