Fifteen held in money laundering inquiry

Four homes and three businesses in Bradford were among more than 20 properties searched yesterday by investigators from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Properties in the North West and the Midlands were also raided as a long-running investigation, codenamed Operation Enigma, moved into a crucial phase.

About 250 HMRC investigators took part in the operation, helped by officers from West Yorkshire Police and Greater Manchester Police.

Four men, aged 27, 40, 42 and 55, were arrested in Bradford and a 31-year-old man was detained in Manchester.

Seven people were arrested in Rochdale – four men, aged 34, 38, 42 and 71, and three women, aged 32, 39 and 55, while another man was arrested in Southport and two in Nottingham.

HMRC said the inquiry remained “live and active” and its deputy director for criminal investigation, Alan Lee, added: “Operation Enigma is an HMRC-led investigation targeting money-laundering offences.

“Further details cannot be provided at this early stage, as our investigation is continuing. However, our activity today sends out a clear message to those involved in this type of criminality.

“Attempts to launder the proceeds of crime are treated extremely seriously by HMRC, and we will relentlessly pursue any individuals or crime gangs believed to be actively involved in money laundering.”

A cross-border regional crime unit has been set up to investigate the problem.