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Eight arrested in money laundering probe
Justin Davenport14 May 2009
Police smashed a south London drug dealing network suspected of using profits to buy luxury properties in Miami.
The gang allegedly traded in cocaine and cannabis on the streets of Lewisham and channelled the cash through Jamaica to property in the United States.
Seven people - four men and three women - were arrested in dawn raids in Peckham and Bromley today. Another man was held at an address in Cambridge.
Those arrested include five British citizens and two Jamaicans.
The eight people were arrested on suspicion of using money bureaus to launder cash to criminal associates in Jamaica.
Detectives from Operation Trident, which tackles black drug gangs in London, have been working with colleagues in Jamaica and Miami.
More than 100 officers were involved in today's operation.
Investigators from Trident's Financial Investigation Unit have identified at least £500,000 worth of cash suspected of being laundered to Jamaica and then into “substantial properties” in Miami.
Detective Inspector Gill Barratt said: “We are determined to put criminals out of business by seizing their assets in the UK and abroad and prosecuting them for money laundering.
“Today's operation should send a clear message that the UK is not a place to come for overseas criminals. We will continue to effectively work with colleagues in Jamaica to ensure they cannot profit from crime in the UK by sending money home to Jamaica.
“Our intention is to take out the criminal role models in both countries by taking away their homes, cars and other ill-gotten possessions. In cases like this money seized from criminals will go back into tackling crime on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Six people, aged from 26 to 47, were arrested at four addresses in Bromley. A 19-year-old was held at an address in Peckham and a 38 year old man held in Cambridge.
Reader views (3)
GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE I THOUGHT IT WAS A RAID TOO ON THE HOUSE OF CONMEN TO,SILLY ME MILLIONS HAVE BEEN SQUANDERD OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS AND THATS OK JUST SWEEP IT UNDER THE CARPET GOOD OLD DEMOCRATIC UK AT IT AGAIN IT IS ALL SO SAD,
- Jim Fennessey, london, 14/05/2009 22:11
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Silly me! When I saw the bold headline I immediately assumed that the police had raided the House of Conmen and arrested eight MP's for misfeasance in public office.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe UK, 14/05/2009 14:23
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Thank god for the proceeds of crime act !
- Madmax, London, UK, 14/05/2009 13:33
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