A suspected network of specialist money launderers, which helped criminals hide millions of pounds, has been targeted in an international operation coordinated by the National Crime Agency.
Over 250 officers in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Bulgaria and Spain carried out raids early this morning.
Cash totaling around £500,000 and diamonds worth approximately £100,000 were seized following searches of safety deposit boxes and properties across London. Five men and three women were arrested and are now being interviewed.
Dozens of addresses were searched in the other countries and six people have been detained.
The NCA believes those arrested have laundered millions of pounds, through a complex web of offshore bank accounts and property investments, for overseas-based criminals involved in the supply of drugs.
Detailed news from NCA press release : click here