A sting in London that saw North East officers search multiple addresses in a clampdown on courier fraud and money laundering saw two arrests.

The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) supported by the Metropolitan Police, simultaneously executed four warrants at addresses across the region last week (October 17).

Two men, aged 18 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of Conspiracy to Defraud and Money Laundering following raids at addresses on Lavender Road in Battersea, Marlands Road in Ilford and Normandy Drive in Hayes.

Victims of the men live and reside in the North East.

They have been interviewed by officers from NEROCU’s Proactive Economic Crime Team and were released on bail whilst police enquiries continue.

NEROCU Detective Sergeant James Woodcock, part of NEROCU’s Proactive Economic Crime Team, said: “These warrants are just the latest action we’re taking with partners to pursue those suspected to be involved in courier fraud.

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“Since the start of 2024, victims in the UK have lost over 4 million pounds to this crime type and I want suspects to know that we will travel anywhere in the country to arrest them and bring justice to the victims of this crime that targets some of the most vulnerable in our communities.

“It is operations like this that help cut off suspected illicit funds of organised gangs- and our work will continue. It shows the lengths we’ll go in order to protect victims here in the North East.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in the execution of these warrants. It has been a fantastic display of a united police front against suspected fraudsters.”