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Police smash 'criminal banking' network
Justin Davenport, Evening Standard02.06.08
Police have smashed a "criminal banking" network operating from a Park Lane safe deposit box firm.
Detectives found millions of pounds in cash and property hidden by criminals in deposit boxes at a series of top London addresses.
Two alleged masterminds were arrested by armed police today on suspicion of money-laundering.
Scotland Yard officers believe the most dangerous organised criminals used the firm to hide the proceeds of crime along with drugs, guns and child pornography. Up to 4,000 safe deposit boxes - some held by innocent people - were being smashed open in raids this afternoon.
The firm's offices in Park Lane, Hampstead and Edgware were raided by more than 400 officers.
The locations targeted today include Park Lane Safe Deposit. Its owners are suspected of allowing criminals to use the facility to store millions of pounds of proceeds from crimes, perhaps for as long as 20 years.
Scotland Yard said other searches were also taking place at three addresses connected to the company.
Officers have been working on the case - codenamed Operation Rize - for more than two years.
Assistant Commissioner John Yates said: "This is a huge operation to tackle criminal networks who we believe are using safe deposit facilities to hide assets."
Reader views (3)
Here's a sample of the latest views published.
Nice... Up to 4,000 safe deposit boxes - some held by innocent people - were being smashed open in raids this afternoon.
What unprofessional loonies are running the Police Department?
- Olden Atwoody, Watford, UK
I think one can only congratulate the officers involved. A substantial amount of the recovered money must go to the police widows and orphans fund and a further amount into the provision of equipment to enable them to deal with the higher sophisticated methods of money laundering.
- Geert, cape town , south africa
The only "criminal banking network" in England is located in the City of London.
- John, Sweden
