Seven arrested in £215 million money laundering investigation - properties searched in Banbridge, Newry, Omagh, Ballymena and Belfast

Fifteen properties were searched across Northern Ireland and seven people arrested.

Eight searches were carried out yesterday (Monday 20 January) in Banbridge, Newry and Omagh.

A further seven searches were carried out today in Belfast, Banbridge, Newry and Ballymena.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wilson said: “Together with Tactical Support Group (TSG) officers, neighbourhood and local policing teams and colleagues from PSNI’s Operational Support Department, we carried out a large scale search and arrest operation over two days targeting individuals suspected of high end money laundering through bank accounts in the UK and internationally.

“Six men aged 33, 37, 39, 40, 50, 67 and a 32 year old woman were arrested during the two day operation.

"The men aged 50 and 67 plus the 32 year old woman remain in police custody and are being questioned by detectives.

"The 4 men aged 33, 37, 39 and 40 have been released on police bail.

“Due to the size and complexity of this investigation, the operation involved PSNI liaison with Garda Economic Crime Bureau (ECB), Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB), National Crime Agency (NCA), United Kingdom Financial Investigation Unit (UKFIU) and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

“International associations have been identified and PSNI are working with EuroPol and InterPol. We are also being assisted by money laundering experts coordinated by the National Economic CRIME Centre (NECC).

“We believe today’s operation is one of the most significant live investigations into money laundering in the UK.

“During our extensive investigation we identified that a significant volume of suspected criminal cash was being laundered out of the country through a number of shell companies and bank accounts held here in Northern Ireland. The investigation has identified over 50 companies and over 140 bank accounts

“In total, almost £215 million has been deposited to thousands of bank accounts across the UK and also transferred out of the UK through foreign exchange companies since 2011.

“Money laundering is often a critical enabler of organised criminality. We believe that the majority of this money is derived from a range of criminal activity carried out by organised crime gangs.

“We are committed to keeping people safe by robustly pursuing those who are involved in laundering criminally derived money and enabling criminals to access the profits gained from their involvement in a range of illegal activities.

“I would appeal for anyone with any information on this type of activity to contact Police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.