Police investigating a suspected organised crime group have arrested 17 people following coordinated dawn raids across 24 properties spanning London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.
The operation, described by the Metropolitan Police as a major joint operation against an organised crime group, involved more than 800 officers conducting arrest operations in the early hours of Tuesday. Searches are continuing at multiple locations, with police expected to maintain a presence at the sites for several days.
During the execution of a warrant in Cockfosters, Barnet, one officer sustained a stab wound to the leg. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the injury is not life-threatening.
Who was arrested?
The 17 people taken into custody comprise 15 men ranging in age from 26 to 65 years old, alongside two women aged 31 and 41. All are suspected of leading or being involved at a senior level in serious and organised crime, along with related financial offending. A 56-year-old man was separately arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm in connection with the stabbing incident.
What agencies were involved?
The investigation represents a collaborative effort between the Metropolitan Police, His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA has disrupted seven businesses as part of the operation and is actively pursuing enforcement action against a further 30 enterprises linked to the suspected criminal network.
What are the charges?
Those arrested face suspicion of participating in the activities of an organised crime group, money laundering, cheating the public revenue, false accounting, and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated:
These arrests mark a significant point in this investigation. Those arrested are suspected of leading or being involved at a senior level in serious and organised crime and related financial offending.
Key Facts
- 17 people arrested across five counties in coordinated early-morning raids on 24 properties
- Over 800 police officers deployed in the operation on Tuesday
- One officer sustained a non-life-threatening stab wound during warrant execution
- Financial Conduct Authority has disrupted 7 businesses and is pursuing 30 others linked to the group
- Suspects face charges including money laundering, organised crime participation, and false accounting
