Speedboat and cars are seized in raids

Jan 23 2009 by Neil Preston, The Journal

FLASHY cars and a high-powered speedboat have been seized in a police crackdown. They may look like they would more at home in the driveway of a footballer’s mansion, but the vehicles worth almost £200,000 in total were found at homes and businesses in north Northumberland.

And police investigating those who live a life of luxury through the proceeds of crime are investigating whether they were paid for with ill-gotten gains.

The £60,000 Range Rover, the Ferrari worth more than £100,000 and £5,000 speedboat were all discovered when police raided nine addresses in Berwick, Northumberland and Duns, Scotland.

And tens of thousands of pounds in coins was also found. The cash is still being counted, but police believe the total to be more than £40,000.

Officers used search warrants to access the properties, on Wednesday, as part a joint operation between Northumbria Police and the Environment Agency.

The raids were the latest stage in an ongoing investigation into suspected money-laundering and illegal waste scams, in the area.

All the items have now been confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Five men were been arrested in Berwick, under the Proceeds of Crime Act and on suspicion of environmental offences.

The suspects aged 35, 39, 48, 52 and 72 were questioned before being released on police bail.

Det Chief Insp Rob Coulson said: “We are determined to tackle crime at all levels. This part of the enquiry is in its early stages but we are investigating links to other serious crime.”

And the Environment Agency’s environmental crime team leader, Richard Shepherd, added: “During the early hours of Wednesday, a number of search warrants were executed on the occupiers of residential, commercial and agricultural properties in North Northumberland.

“This is part of a multi-agency investigation into large scale commercial illegal waste activities and money laundering offences.

“Northumbria Police and Environment Agency officers carried out searches and a number of arrests were made. Forensic examinations and site inspections are ongoing.” Det Insp Steve Patrick is now urging members of the public to report anyone they suspect to be living a life of luxury through crime.

“Wednesday’s activity was part of a long-running operation with the Environment Agency to tackle both environmental offences and also those under the Proceeds of Crime Act,” he said.

“All those arrested have now been bailed pending further enquiries but the investigation is very much ongoing.

“We are still counting the cash seized, believed to be well in excess of £40,000, much of it in coins. We are determined to tackle those who live in local communities who are living a life of luxury from crime, while their neighbours continue to work hard to earn a living.

“The help of this law-abiding majority is vital in helping us tackle the criminal minority.

“No one contacting us with information will have to give their name and they will not be asked to give evidence in court.

“Just give us the information and we’ll do the rest.”